Prospect Park, NJ: Anand Shah, a 42-year-old Indian-American councilman from Prospect Park, New Jersey, has been arrested and charged in connection with a sprawling illegal gambling ring allegedly tied to the notorious Lucchese crime family.
The operation, which reportedly generated over $3 million in illicit proceeds, involved illegal poker games and online sports betting managed through offshore websites.
Key Facts:
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39 people, including Shah, were charged following a two-year investigation.
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The operation included illegal poker clubs in Totowa, Garfield, Woodland Park, and Paterson, as well as online sports betting platforms.
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Shah faces charges including racketeering and money laundering, which could lead to a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
The investigation revealed that Shah allegedly managed illegal poker games and an online sportsbook, collaborating with high-ranking members of the Lucchese crime family.
Authorities uncovered that the gambling operations were conducted out of various locations, including restaurants and social clubs, and utilized shell corporations to conceal the illicit income.
Despite the serious charges, Shah has not been accused of leveraging his public office for criminal activities.
Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah acknowledged the arrest, stating that the charges are unrelated to Shah's municipal duties and emphasized the administration's commitment to ethical governance.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin highlighted the broader implications of the case, noting that it underscores ongoing concerns about corruption and organized crime in the state.
He stated, "Organized crime in 2025 may look different than it did 50 years ago... but it's the same old story: criminals motivated by greed and power who think they are above the law."
Shah, a Democrat in his third term, is up for re-election this year. The deadline to replace him on the ballot has passed, but there are workarounds if the county clerk has not yet printed the ballots.
Do You Know?
The Lucchese crime family, one of the "Five Families" that dominate organized crime activities in New York City, has been involved in various illegal enterprises, including gambling, for decades.
Key Terms:
Racketeering: Engaging in a pattern of illegal activity, such as fraud or extortion, as part of an organized criminal enterprise.
Money Laundering: The process of concealing the origins of illegally obtained money, typically by transferring it through legitimate businesses.
Lucchese Crime Family: An Italian-American Mafia crime family based in New York City, involved in various criminal activities.