India Tribune Newsdesk
Newark, NJ: A town council member of Indian origin, Anand Shah, has been charged in a major illegal gambling and racketeering case in New Jersey that authorities say is tied to the Lucchese crime family. Shah, 42, a two-term councilman in Prospect Park responsible for finance, economic development, and insurance, is among 39 individuals facing charges in the investigation.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced the arrests on Friday, following a two-year probe led by the New Jersey State Police and the Division of Criminal Justice. The operation uncovered an extensive illegal gambling network involving poker clubs, offshore online sportsbooks, and money laundering operations across North Jersey.
Authorities allege Shah played a managerial role in the operation, overseeing illegal poker games and helping run an online sportsbook platform. He is charged with racketeering, money laundering, illegal gambling, and other offenses. Prosecutors say he worked closely with senior members of the Lucchese crime family, one of the most well-known organized crime syndicates in the U.S.
Law enforcement conducted raids on April 9 at 12 locations, including poker clubs hidden behind functioning restaurants in Totowa, Garfield, and Woodland Park. A business in Paterson suspected of housing gambling machines was also searched, along with seven private homes tied to individuals allegedly involved in the operation.
The gambling ring is believed to have generated over $3 million in illegal proceeds. Investigators say the network used shell companies and legitimate businesses to conceal earnings. The online gambling platform, hosted on foreign servers, enabled agents to manage bets, collect debts, and distribute winnings.
Another Indian-origin individual, Samir Nadkarni, 48, of Florida, was also charged. He is described as a poker host and sub-agent within the betting operation.
Authorities allege the network’s upper management, including Shah, made key operational decisions and used intimidation tactics to recover debts. Officials emphasized the seriousness of the criminal enterprise and its reach into public office.
“Criminal enterprises like this pose a serious threat to our communities,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “This is about people who believe they’re above the law.”
Attorney General Platkin echoed those concerns, highlighting the danger of romanticizing organized crime. “It’s not a movie. It’s about power, money, and breaking the law,” he said. “The arrest of an elected official only deepens public skepticism and distrust.”
Shah has not yet entered a plea, and his attorney has not made a public statement. The investigation remains active, and additional charges may follow.
