Australia Charges Kazakh Pair in Casino Fraud Case

Two Kazakh nationals have been charged in Australia after allegedly winning more than A$1.17 million through fraudulent schemes at a Sydney casino.

The case unfolded on November 27, when casino staff in Barangaroo grew suspicious of a 36-year-old woman wearing a hidden miniature camera under her T-shirt. Police moved quickly, arresting her and her 44-year-old husband soon after, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

During the search, officers seized magnetised probes, batteries, a phone equipped with a covert recording setup, a mirror device, and hidden earpieces reportedly used to relay instructions on when to place bets.

Investigators say the couple - Dilnoza Israilova and Alisherykhoja Israilov - had arrived from Kazakhstan in October and applied for casino membership the very same day. Over several visits, they accumulated winnings totaling A$1,179,412.50, raising red flags among security staff.

A later search of their Kent Street apartment turned up more gambling tools, jewelry, and 2,000 euros in cash.

Both suspects are now charged with obtaining financial advantage by deception. Bail was denied as the case proceeds in court.

Detective Superintendent Peter Fox highlighted the vital role of cooperation between casino security and police in maintaining fair play and preventing sophisticated fraud schemes.