Pinhole cameras, secret microphones: alleged $1 million casino cheating scam revealed

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A couple from Kazakhstan are accused of using an elaborate set-up of secret cameras and microphones to cheat at Sydney’s Crown Casino, fraudulently winning more than $1 million.

The woman, 36, and her 44-year-old husband arrived in Sydney in October and on the same day applied for membership at the Barangaroo casino, where they made multiple visits for two months.

Crown staff became suspicious by the couple’s incredible success in card games, allegedly racking up winnings of $1,179,412.

Last Thursday the alleged cheating plot unravelled when a casino employee spotted a discreet camera embedded in the woman’s shirt. NSW Police officers were called and arrested the couple, discovering a pinhole camera hidden in a Disney graphic T-shirt, batteries, and a modified phone which allowed for the discreet viewing and recording of images and audio, police said.

The phone also had a mirror attachment police will allege was used to cheat in card games.

Police will allege in court that the couple discreetly recorded images of card tables and used deeply embedded earpieces to receive instructions on how to bet in each card game.

Police allegedly found casino chips and more equipment at the couple’s accomodation.

Police said they also found casino chips, high-end jewellery and €2000 cash at the couple’s Kent St accommodation.

The pair were taken to Day St police station and charged with dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception. They were refused bail and will both face Downing Centre Local Court – the husband on December 11 and the wife in February.

Crown Casino is open to members only, and is not permitted to have poker machines under its operating licence with the NSW Government.

Last year the casino unveiled a revamped gaming level hoping to win back high rollers after disappointing foot traffic. The Herald previously reported the casino had approached MPs to lobby for legislative change to allow cashless poker machines be installed in the casino.

The state government has ruled out any changes.

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