"The arrest of a city council member only adds fuel to that fire.”
A US Indian politician has been charged in a multimillion-dollar mafia-linked gambling ring allegedly run out of restaurants across New Jersey.
Prospect Park councilman Anand Shah allegedly managed illegal poker games and helped run an online sportsbook tied to four high-ranking members of the Lucchese crime family.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said:
“I’m keenly aware of the public’s perception of elected officials in New Jersey and the lack of trust that so many have in their public officials and governmental institutions.
“The arrest of a city council member only adds fuel to that fire.”
Anand Shah was one of 37 people arrested and 39 charged after a two-year investigation.
Officials allege the gambling operation earned $3 million through illegal activity in Woodland Park, Garfield and Totowa.
Authorities claim the operation was run by George Zappola, said to be a ruling panel member of the Lucchese crime family.
Lucchese captain Joseph “Big Joe” Perna allegedly oversaw operations below Zappola.
Two Lucchese soldiers, John Perna and Wayne Cross, were also charged.
On April 9, 2025, officers raided four poker clubs linked to the Lucchese family. Two were allegedly run out of restaurant backrooms.
Officials also searched a Paterson business used to store gambling machines and the homes of seven people accused of helping manage the operation.
Officials said the raids led to the discovery of more poker clubs and dozens of individuals involved as hosts, dealers or bettors in the illegal gambling network.
Theresa Hilton, director of the Division of Criminal Justice, said:
“This was a highly structured, highly profitable criminal enterprise run by people who thought they were above the law.”
Investigators said high-level managers controlled daily operations, enforced discipline and used threats to collect debts.
Hosts of poker games were required to recruit players, provide food and drinks, and cover the games financially.
In return, they took a percentage of the bets, known as the “rake”.
Platkin said some dealers were paid, but others worked to clear gambling debts.
While waiting for poker games, attendees could use illegal gambling machines found inside the clubs.
The online portion of the gambling ring was allegedly managed by “agents” who ran sportsbooks hosted on overseas gambling sites.
These agents managed groups of bettors, known as “packages”, and sent a cut of the profits up the chain.
Platkin said: “The websites allowed the mobsters to use the internet and technology to carry out the same criminal activities La Cosa Nostra had been doing the old-fashioned way since the 19th century.”
Shah faces charges including racketeering, conspiracy to promote gambling and money laundering. If convicted of the top charge, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
He is not accused of using his council office to carry out the crimes or of being a made member of the Mafia, only an associate, according to officials.
He is scheduled to appear in Morris County court on April 15. Prosecutors will ask for him to remain in custody while awaiting trial.
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