New Jersey Councilman Among Dozens Charged in Major Gambling Scheme

New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin announced on April 11 that authorities have broken up a large-scale illegal gambling network with alleged connections to the Lucchese organized 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 Shah played a managerial role in the unlawful operation.

Authorities describe 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 enterprise brought in over $3 million in revenue.

Prosecutors say Shah managed 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 Khairullah released 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, Woodland Park, and a Paterson spot 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 Zappola stood at the pinnacle of the supposed pecking order known as a member of the Lucchese ruling panel. Joseph “Big Joe” Perna, a suspected captain, backed him up, along with soldiers John Perna and 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 technologies to make things look legitimate but 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-defendants face charges of racketeering and conspiracy, along with other offenses. Shah could spend up to 20 years behind bars if found guilty of the most serious charges. Prosecutors will ask for his ongoing detention at his upcoming court appearance in Morris County next week.