Prospect Park Councilman Implicated in Massive Mob Gambling Operation
New Jersey authorities have arrested 39 individuals, including Prospect Park Borough Councilman Anand Shah, in connection with an extensive illegal gambling network allegedly operated by the Lucchese Crime Family. The arrests follow a two-year investigation that uncovered over $3 million in criminal proceeds from poker clubs and online sports betting operations across northern New Jersey.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced the charges, which include racketeering, gambling offenses, money laundering, and other crimes. “Romanticized versions of organized crime have been the subject of countless movies and television shows, often set right here in the Garden State,” said Platkin. “But the reality isn’t romantic or cinematic. It’s about breaking the laws the rest of us follow,” according to 6ABC Philadelphia.
Council President’s Political Career in Jeopardy
Shah, 42, a two-term councilman who was up for reelection this year, allegedly managed illegal poker games and an online sportsbook in association with the crime family. His arrest has sent shockwaves through the small Passaic County borough of Prospect Park, where he served as council president.
The criminal complaint details how Shah worked within a hierarchical structure where profits from gambling operations were “kicked up” to high-ranking members of the Lucchese Crime Family. Prosecutors have not indicated whether Shah has secured legal representation, and attempts to reach him for comment have been unsuccessful, as reported by CBS New York.
Shah’s involvement represents a troubling example of alleged organized crime infiltration into local government, authorities noted during Friday’s press conference.
Sophisticated Criminal Network Uncovered
The investigation revealed a criminal enterprise operating four illegal poker clubs in Totowa, Garfield, and Woodland Park, including two hidden behind legitimate restaurants. Authorities also discovered illegal gambling machines at a business in Paterson during Wednesday’s coordinated raids across 12 locations.
High-level members of the Lucchese Crime Family charged in the operation include George Zappola, 65, of Red Bank, described as part of the family’s “ruling panel,” along with Joseph R. “Big Joe” Perna, 56, of Belleville, John Perna, 47, of Little Falls, and Wayne Cross, 75, of Spring Lake. These individuals allegedly occupied leadership positions in the hierarchy, according to New Jersey’s Office of the Attorney General.
Modern Mob Uses Technology to Expand Operations
The enterprise combined traditional criminal methods with modern technology, operating an online sportsbook through websites based outside the United States. This digital component allowed the organization to extend its reach beyond physical locations and adapt to changing gambling habits.
“Organized crime in 2025 may look different than it did 50 years ago, especially thanks to the online component,” Attorney General Platkin stated. “But it’s the same old story. Criminals motivated by greed and power who think they are above the law,” as reported by ABC7 New York.
The investigation revealed a sophisticated money laundering operation using multiple shell corporations and legitimate businesses to conceal the illegal gambling proceeds.
Additional Criminal Activities Identified
Beyond gambling charges, two defendants face additional accusations of stealing approximately $22,000 in merchandise from Home Depot and other retailers. Authorities say these items were used to renovate properties that were later “flipped” for profit, adding to the criminal enterprise’s revenue streams.
New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan described the investigation as “a massive undertaking” involving cooperation between federal and state agencies. The charges filed against the defendants carry potential prison sentences ranging from 5 to 20 years if convicted.
