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In one of the largest takedowns of its kind in recent years, New Jersey authorities have charged 39 individuals, including known associates of the Lucchese crime family and an elected borough councilman, in connection with a sprawling illegal gambling and money laundering operation that generated millions in illicit revenue across North Jersey.
Announced by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin alongside the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) and the New Jersey State Police, the arrests stem from a two-year investigation into underground gambling networks tied to traditional organized crime. On April 9, 2025, law enforcement executed coordinated raids at 12 separate sites in Totowa, Garfield, Woodland Park, and Paterson, including poker clubs, a business storing gambling machines, and homes of alleged ringleaders.
Poker Clubs, Shell Companies, and Online Sportsbooks
Authorities allege the criminal enterprise revolved around illicit poker clubs and online Sports Betting platforms, with the operation being tightly managed by a hierarchical structure. Managers were responsible for running card games and collecting “rent” from hosts, who provided players, with refreshments, and the financial backing for the games. Profits were derived from a “rake” taken from each hand dealt, and some dealers reportedly worked off prior debts owed to the hosts.
The poker rooms, sometimes hidden behind functioning eateries such as Cafe San Gennaro in Woodland Park, also featured gambling machines. In Paterson, police uncovered more machines stored at a separate commercial site.
Additionally, the online gambling wing operated through foreign-based websites overseen by “agents” who managed clusters of bettors referred to as “packages.” These agents, comparable to traditional bookmakers, were required to remit a share of their profits to the upper echelons of the enterprise.
According to the complaint, those at the top—including several alleged Lucchese family members—dictated business operations, handled disputes, and used threats to collect debts. These profits, estimated at over $3 million, were laundered through legitimate-looking shell companies and businesses.
Councilman Among the Accused
Among those arrested was Anand Shah, 42, a sitting councilman and local business owner from Prospect Park. Shah is accused of overseeing poker operations and an illegal online sportsbook connected to the wider criminal scheme. He was taken into custody Wednesday and remains jailed ahead of a detention hearing. Court records list no attorney representing him as of yet.
In one of the largest takedowns of its kind in recent years, New Jersey authorities have charged 39 individuals, including known associates of the Lucchese crime family and an elected borough councilman, in connection with a sprawling illegal gambling and money laundering operation that generated millions in illicit revenue across North Jersey.
Announced by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin alongside the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) and the New Jersey State Police, the arrests stem from a two-year investigation into underground gambling networks tied to traditional organized crime. On April 9, 2025, law enforcement executed coordinated raids at 12 separate sites in Totowa, Garfield, Woodland Park, and Paterson, including poker clubs, a business storing gambling machines, and homes of alleged ringleaders.
Poker Clubs, Shell Companies, and Online Sportsbooks
Authorities allege the criminal enterprise revolved around illicit poker clubs and online Sports Betting platforms, with the operation being tightly managed by a hierarchical structure. Managers were responsible for running card games and collecting “rent” from hosts, who provided players, with refreshments, and the financial backing for the games. Profits were derived from a “rake” taken from each hand dealt, and some dealers reportedly worked off prior debts owed to the hosts.
The poker rooms, sometimes hidden behind functioning eateries such as Cafe San Gennaro in Woodland Park, also featured gambling machines. In Paterson, police uncovered more machines stored at a separate commercial site.
Additionally, the online gambling wing operated through foreign-based websites overseen by “agents” who managed clusters of bettors referred to as “packages.” These agents, comparable to traditional bookmakers, were required to remit a share of their profits to the upper echelons of the enterprise.
According to the complaint, those at the top—including several alleged Lucchese family members—dictated business operations, handled disputes, and used threats to collect debts. These profits, estimated at over $3 million, were laundered through legitimate-looking shell companies and businesses.
Councilman Among the Accused
Among those arrested was Anand Shah, 42, a sitting councilman and local business owner from Prospect Park. Shah is accused of overseeing poker operations and an illegal online sportsbook connected to the wider criminal scheme. He was taken into custody Wednesday and remains jailed ahead of a detention hearing. Court records list no attorney representing him as of yet.
