Indian-origin councilman Anand Shah was arrested and charged for allegedly running a $3 million illegal gambling ring alongside the Lucchese crime family, Italian-American mafia. The US politician from Prospect Park, New Jersey was named among 39 people who have been hit with racketeering, gambling, money laundering charges and other crimes, according to NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin, per PTI’s report.
According to the New York Times, Platkin said during a press briefing, “Organised crime in 2025 may look different than it did 50 years ago… especially thanks to the online component, and some of the language may have changed, but its the same old story: criminals motivated by greed and power who think they are above the law.”
He added, “Romanticised versions of organised crime have been subject of countless movies and television shows, often set right here in the Garden State. But the reality isn’t romantic or cinematic. It’s about breaking the laws the rest of us follow.”
Indian-origin names, including Anand Shah, tied to crimes
Anand Shah’s name popped up alongside fellow Indian-origin Samir Nadkarni. The 48-year-old man from Longwood, Florida, is a poker host.
The US councilman in his 40s, who is also a local business owner, has been accused of overseeing an online sportsbook in addition to leading illegal gambling dens. Anand Shah’s involvement with the mafia family came to light after law enforcement officials gained search warrants for 12 locations across New Jersey. He could be sentenced up to 20 years in prison.
As a municipal councillor in Prospect Park, Shah was a part of the finance and economic development sectors.
Chart of recent NJ gambling investigation involving sports betting operations and poker clubs
— Jeff Nadu (@JeffNadu) April 12, 2025
Zappola for years per my sources is the boss in waiting of the Lucchese Crime Family @Sitdowncrimepod pic.twitter.com/JZ4dOV8X2W
What was uncovered in probe related to illegal gambling dens
These April 9 searches reportedly shed light on four illegal poker establishments in Totowa, Garfield, Woodland Park and Paterson. The last of these is believed to have featured equipment like poker tables and slot-style machines.
Following a two-year investigation, the officials uncovered that daily operations were handled by managers who would then report to their supervisors. Furthermore, business fronts helped conceal funds gained through the crimes. In addition to poker game rooms being run out of active restaurants, the probe discovered seven residences of people who are reportedly attached to the illicit gambling operation.
“Criminal enterprises like this pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our communities, driving illegal gambling, money laundering and racketeering operations that value profit over people,” said Col Pat Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.
