Kazakh couple accused of using spy camera and headphones to win $1.2 million at casino

A husband and wife from Kazakhstan have been accused of using hidden cameras and headphones to defraud an Australian casino out of nearly A$1.2 million (£593,00; US$784,000).

The couple were caught after casino staff in the Barangaroo neighborhood of central Sydney noticed 36-year-old Dilnoza Israilova wearing a small stand-alone camera on a Mickey Mouse T-shirt, New South Wales Police said.

She and her husband Alisherykhoja Israilov, 44, were subsequently arrested. Police searched them and allegedly found “magnetized probes” and mirror attachments for mobile phones allegedly used to rig the game.

The pair were charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage and remain in custody.

NSW Police said the couple arrived in Sydney from Kazakhstan in October and applied for casino membership that day.

Over the following weeks, they made multiple visits to the casino – purportedly Crown Casino on Sydney’s waterfront – and racked up winnings totaling $1,179,412.50.

This aroused the suspicion of casino staff, who allegedly caught them red-handed on Thursday.

Police said the spy device was linked to the couple’s phones, allowing them to capture and view images of the table.

They also wore hidden headphones through which they allegedly received instructions on when to place bets on card games.

A NSW Police spokesman told the BBC they were not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the alleged fraud.

During a subsequent search of their accommodation near the casino, police found other “gambling props”, high-end jewelery and €2,000 (£1,750; $2,320) in cash.

NSW Police said the pair appeared in court on Friday but were refused bail.

According to Guardian Australia, Ms Israilova will return to court in February, while Mr Israilov is scheduled to appear in court on December 11.