Prospect Park, New Jersey: Indian-origin New Jersey politician Anand Shah has pleaded guilty to his role in an illegal gambling operation linked to the Lucchese crime family. Authorities said the operation generated more than $900,000 in criminal proceeds attributable to Shah, some of which was used to support his political campaign.
Shah, 44, a councilman in the Borough of Prospect Park, pleaded guilty to racketeering, money laundering and official misconduct. Following the guilty plea, he resigned from the council. Under the plea agreement, he faces up to 10 years in state prison and will be permanently disqualified from holding public office in New Jersey.
According to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Shah was involved in the illegal gambling network from January 2017 through August 2023. He worked as a sportsbook agent and poker manager and hosted illegal poker games at locations operating across Morris, Passaic and Bergen counties.
Authorities said Shah worked with subagents and collected “rakes”, a portion of the money taken by operators from poker games. Criminal proceeds directly attributable to Shah during the period totaled $900,084.
Investigators also said Shah used proceeds from the illegal gambling operation to support his political activities. According to prosecutors, individuals who owed him gambling debts were allowed to contribute money to his campaign instead of repaying those debts. Shah would then forgive their outstanding gambling balances in exchange for the campaign contributions.
“Public officials have a special duty to ensure that they follow the law,” New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said. She added that Shah not only violated the law but also used criminal proceeds to fund his political campaign, emphasizing that no one is above the law.
Shah had served on the Prospect Park council with responsibilities including finance, economic development and insurance. He remained in office after being indicted in April 2025, despite calls from Mayor Mohamed T. Khairullah and other council members for him to step down.
Following Shah’s resignation, Mayor Khairullah said officials had previously called for his departure while respecting his right to due process.
“When Mr. Shah was first charged in 2025, I joined my colleagues in calling for his resignation,” Khairullah said. “At the same time, we respected his right to due process and allowed the judicial process to take its course.”
The borough is expected to begin the process of filling the vacant council seat. Khairullah said Prospect Park would move forward despite the situation.
Shah’s case is part of a broader investigation into an illegal gambling network allegedly linked to the Lucchese crime family. Authorities have charged 42 people in connection with the investigation, which involved illegal poker games, sports betting and other gambling activities.
Investigators raided four illegal poker clubs connected to the network in April 2025 and later identified additional locations associated with the operation.
The years-long investigation identified approximately $4.79 million in suspected criminal proceeds. Authorities said members of the organization used legitimate businesses and shell companies to conceal gambling-related proceeds.
New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton said organized crime continues to operate illegal gambling businesses in the state despite the availability of legal gambling options.
“Traditional organized crime remains a real problem in New Jersey,” Hilton said, adding that illegal gambling operations continue to function in backrooms and online.
Authorities said law enforcement would continue efforts to dismantle such criminal enterprises regardless of where they operate.
According to state officials, 38 defendants have pleaded guilty in connection with the broader investigation, while two others continue to face charges.
Authorities have identified alleged Lucchese crime family members George Zappola, Joseph R. Perna and John G. Perna as high-level organizers of the gambling network. All three have pleaded guilty to racketeering under agreements that include prosecutors’ recommendations for reduced prison sentences.
The investigation remains part of a wider effort by New Jersey authorities to target illegal gambling, money laundering and organized crime operations across the state.
