New Jersey Councilman Among Dozens Charged in Major Gambling Scheme

The charges, which include Prospect Park Councilman Anand Shah among 39 individuals, stem from a two-year investigationImage Source: Shutterstock.com

New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkinannounced on April 11 that authorities have broken up a large-scale illegal gambling network with alleged connections to the Luccheseorganized crime family. 

Two-Year Investigation Uncovers Massive Gambling Operation

This development comes after a two-year investigation. The charges involve 39 individuals, including Anand Shah, a local council member from Prospect Park. Prosecutors claim Shahplayed a managerial role in the unlawful operation.

Authoritiesdescribe the investigation as complex and wide-ranging. It revealed a system of underground poker clubs, online sportsbooks running on foreign servers, and a network of shell companies. These companies helped hide millions in gambling profits. Reports indicate the illegal enterprisebrought in over $3 million in revenue.

Prosecutors say Shahmanaged poker games and helped run online betting operations. He is not accused of abusing his government role, but his involvement has raised concerns about people’s trust in local leaders. Prospect Park’s Mayor Mohamed Khairullahreleased a statement to reaffirm his team’s dedication to openness. He added that Shah‘s alleged crimes had no link to his council duties.

This week, police conducted synchronized raids. They targeted places in Totowa, Garfield, WoodlandPark, and a Patersonspot thought to house gambling machines, reported The New York Times. Two of the illegal poker clubs operated behind restaurants. The Paterson site stored equipment and cash flow records.

Lucchese Family Accused of Running High-Tech Gambling Ring with Mob Tactics

George Zappolastood at the pinnacle of the supposed pecking order known as a member of the Luccheseruling panel. Joseph “Big Joe” Perna, a suspected captain, backed him up, along with soldiers John Pernaand Wayne Cross. The prosecutors claim this bunch oversaw the daily activities and got a cut of the earnings.

Theresa Hilton,director of the Division of Criminal Justice, said the group operated like a well-organized crime ring. People had different jobs, from hosts and dealers to online betting managers, with bosses at different levels, just like in a company. Hosts brought in players, set up games, and took a share of the money called the “rake.” Sometimes, people who owed money worked as dealers to pay off their debts.

They used new technologiesto make things look legitimatebut still used the same tough tactics you would expect from the mob. Some of the people involved made threats to get money back, while others cleaned their profits by dealing in stolen goods and real estate.

Shah and his co-defendantsface charges of racketeeringand conspiracy, along with other offenses. Shahcould spend up to 20 years behind barsif found guilty of the most serious charges. Prosecutorswill ask for his ongoing detention at his upcoming court appearance in Morris County next week.