Police Say Mickey Mouse Played a Role in Casino Theft at Crown Sydney
Posted on: December 1, 2025, 04:46h.
Last updated on: December 1, 2025, 04:46h.
- Police in Sydney have arrested two people on deception charges
- The arrest report alleges the two secretly recorded the Crown Sydney casino to gain an edge
A couple visiting Australia from Kazakhstan has been arrested in New South Wales after police allege the duo used a hidden camera to scam a casino on multiple visits.
According to an arrest warrant, Dilnoza Israilova, 36, and her husband, Alisherykhoja Israilova, 44, entered Australia in October. After arriving in Sydney, the couple reportedly applied for casino membership at Crown Sydney, a lavish five-star resort destination in Barangaroo.
The Israilovas enjoyed much luck. They rented an apartment along Kent Street and frequented the nearby casino day and night. Their luck eventually ran out when casino security looked closer at the couple amid their continued winning.
The eye in the sky ultimately determined that the couple had devised a scheme that involved hiding a mobile phone in a Mickey Mouse t-shirt. The phone’s camera allegedly streamed the table game live to a remote coconspirator who quickly directed Dilnoza or Alisherykhoja on how to bet.
Police Seizure
Upon being called to Crown Sydney, NSW Police say the pair was approached and discovered to be in possession of batteries and a mobile phone fitted with an attachment that allowed the camera function of the phone to discreetly view, capture, and record.
Over the course of October and November, the Israilovas won $1,179,412.50, which raised the casino’s suspicions that fraud was in play.
It will be alleged, with their mobile phones capturing images of the table, the pair communicated using deep-seated earpieces through which they received instructions to wager on various card games and ultimately cheat the casino,” the police report read. “A subsequent search warrant was carried out at their accommodation on Kent Street in Sydney, where police located other gambling props, high-end jewelry, and 2000 euros.”
The police report did not specify the type of card game the duo played. However, blackjack is suspected, as skilled card counters can overcome a casino’s house edge. In card counting, players keep track of the ratio of high-value cards to low-value ones to gain an edge.
The Israilovas were denied bail, as they’re considered a flight risk, and remain in the Day Street Police Station. They’ve been charged with dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception.
“Our detectives collaborate closely with casino security to identify and disrupt unlawful behavior. This strong cooperation is vital to maintaining the integrity of gaming operations and is reflected in outcomes like this,” said Detective Superintendent Peter Faux.
Card Counters Banned
While card counting isn’t illegal, gaming venues typically bar gamblers who are known to card count. That’s why the two from Kazakhstan might have been recruited by a counter to help him or her continue to deceive Crown Sydney.
A person in Australia found guilty of obtaining a financial advantage by deception faces up to 10 years in prison.
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