Police have uncovered what they describe as a sophisticated cheating operation at Crown Sydney casino, resulting in the arrest of a married couple from Kazakhstan accused of fraudulently winning over $1.1 million.
The Discovery That Unravelled The Scheme
The elaborate scam began to unravel on Thursday when casino staff detected a 36-year-old woman wearing a camera concealed beneath a Disney patch on her shirt. The discovery prompted immediate action, with the NSW Police Organised Crime Squad Casino and Racing Unit attending the premises and arresting both the woman and her 44-year-old husband.
Officers conducting the investigation allegedly found the couple in possession of an extensive array of cheating equipment. Beyond the hidden camera, police claim they were carrying magnetised probes, multiple batteries, a mobile phone specifically adapted to conceal the camera feed, and a small custom-made mirror designed for the same device.
Months of Systematic Cheating Revealed
An investigation conducted by Strike Force Antree uncovered that the couple had travelled to Sydney from Kazakhstan in October and applied for casino memberships on the very day they arrived. According to police statements, the pair allegedly won a total of $1,179,412.50 across multiple visits to Crown Sydney throughout October and November.
NSW Police will present evidence alleging the couple used their mobile phones to capture images of gaming tables while employing earpieces to communicate betting instructions between them. This coordinated approach allowed them to gain what investigators believe was an unfair advantage through their sophisticated technical setup.
Substantial Assets Seized in Raid
Following the casino arrests, officers conducted a search of the couple's accommodation on Kent Street where they allegedly discovered additional evidence. Police reportedly seized various gambling props, high-end jewellery, and approximately $3,550 in cash from the property.
The couple were formally taken to Day Street Police Station where each was charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception. Both individuals now face serious legal consequences for their alleged involvement in the sophisticated cheating operation.
Detective Superintendent Peter Faux emphasised the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and casino security, stating: "Our detectives collaborate closely with casino security to identify and disrupt unlawful behaviour. This strong cooperation is vital to maintaining the integrity of gaming operations and is reflected in outcomes like this."
