New Jersey councilman, members of crime family among dozens arrested in illegal gambling bust
PROPSECT PARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A councilman from Prospect Park, New Jersey, is among the nearly 40 people arrested in connection with an illegal gambling bust.
In total, 39 people have been charged with racketeering, gambling offenses, and money laundering -- among other charges.
Authorities say some of those arrested are members Lucchese crime family or partners of the family, like Anand Shah, who is a Prospect Park council member.
Shah is a two-term councilman who is up for reelection this year. He is alleged to have managed illegal poker games and an online sportsbook.
"Evidence that illegal gambling and money laundering still serve as a major source of income for these criminal enterprises, you think about where this infiltrated into local governments and to appointed and elected officials," said New Jersey State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan.
The mayor of Prospect Park released a statement saying the investigation is ongoing, but wants to reaffirm that the administration holds all public officials to the highest standards of ethics.
The arrests are a result of searches at four poker clubs in Totowa, Garfield and Woodland Park -- some of those clubs were in backrooms behind functioning restaurants.
Garden Pinball in Paterson was found to have gambling machines and the homes of six people alleged to be involved were also searched.
Authorities say in addition to live poker games, they operated online sportsbooks operated through websites based outside of the United States.
"Organized crime in 2025 may look different than it did 50 years ago, especially thanks to the online component," said New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin. "And some of the language may have changed. But it's the same old story. Criminals motivated by greed and power who think they are above the law."
Officials say their two-year investigation resulted in finding more than $3 million in criminal proceeds.
"Romanticized versions of organized crime have been the subject of countless movies and television shows, often set right here in the Garden State," Platkin said. "But the reality isn't romantic or cinematic. It's about breaking the laws the rest of us follow and, ultimately, it's about money, control, and the threat of violence.
All of the 39 people face multiple charges, but could face 10-20 years in prison just for the charge of first-degree racketeering.
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