Sophisticated Scam Unravels at Crown Casino
A married couple from Kazakhstan stands accused of orchestrating a sophisticated, high-tech cheating operation that allegedly swindled Sydney's prestigious Crown Casino in Barangaroo out of a staggering $1,179,412. New South Wales Police laid charges against the pair, alleging they employed a covert system of hidden cameras and secret earpieces to gain an unfair advantage at the card tables.
The Alleged Method: A Covert Operation
According to police allegations, the 44-year-old man and his 36-year-old wife launched their scheme almost immediately after arriving in Australia in October. After purchasing memberships, they reportedly visited the casino on multiple occasions over the following two months.
It will be alleged in court that the couple's technique involved using modified mobile phones to secretly capture images of the gaming table. They then allegedly used deep-seated earpieces to communicate with each other, relaying instructions on how to wager based on the illicitly obtained visual information. This method, police claim, allowed them to "ultimately cheat the casino" out of a seven-figure sum.
How the Scheme Was Discovered
The couple's incredible winning streak did not go unnoticed. Their "eye-watering wins" raised suspicions among vigilant Crown Casino staff, who began monitoring their activities closely.
The elaborate ruse began to unravel on November 27, when a sharp-eyed staff member allegedly spotted the woman wearing a small, discreet camera attached to her clothing. This discovery prompted immediate action, leading to the arrest of both the husband and wife right there in the casino.
Following their arrest, police conducted a search and allegedly seized a range of specialised equipment, including:
- Clothing that had been specially cut to disguise hidden cameras.
- Small, magnetised probes and batteries.
- A mobile phone fitted with a custom attachment to discreetly view and record images.
- A small, custom-made mirror attachment for the same phone.
Police later executed a search warrant at the couple's accommodation on Kent Street in Sydney, where they allegedly seized additional gambling props, high-end jewellery, and 2000 euros in cash.
Legal Repercussions and Court Proceedings
Both individuals have each been charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception. They were refused bail during a court appearance on November 28 and remain in custody awaiting their next court date.
The case highlights the increasing sophistication of gambling-related fraud and the extensive measures casinos and law enforcement are taking to combat it. The alleged use of custom-made technological devices points to a premeditated and well-planned attempt to defraud one of Australia's most prominent gaming establishments.
