Anand Shah, a municipal councillor of Indian descent from Prospect Park, New Jersey, faces multiple charges, including racketeering, illegal gambling, and money laundering, all tied to a $3 million criminal operation associated with the Lucchese crime family.
Shah, 42, is currently in his second term on the Borough Council, overseeing finance, economic development, and insurance matters. He is among 39 individuals named in charges announced by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin.
The investigation, which spanned two years and was led by the New Jersey State Police and Division of Criminal Justice, uncovered an extensive illegal gambling ring. This operation included underground poker clubs, offshore online sportsbooks, and money-laundering networks operating throughout Northern New Jersey.
On April 9, authorities executed searches at 12 locations, including four poker clubs in Totowa, Garfield, and Woodland Park. Several of these clubs were hidden behind legitimate restaurant operations. Additionally, a business in Paterson believed to contain gambling machines was searched, alongside seven private homes tied to those running the operation.
Shah is accused of managing illegal poker games and overseeing an online sportsbook within the criminal network. Prosecutors allege that Shah worked with senior members of the Lucchese crime family, a longstanding and notorious Italian-American crime group.
Also charged was Samir Nadkarni, 48, of Longwood, Florida, described as a poker host and sportsbook sub-agent.
Investigators revealed that the criminal enterprise conducted both in-person and online gambling activities, with social clubs offering live poker, gambling machines, and a sophisticated online sportsbook system. This platform, hosted on foreign servers, enabled agents and sub-agents to manage bettors, collect debts, and distribute winnings.
The group allegedly used shell companies and legitimate businesses to launder illicit funds, with estimated criminal earnings exceeding $3 million. Authorities claim the network’s leadership, including Shah, made major decisions, handled internal disputes, and sometimes used intimidation to recover gambling debts.
Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, stressed the danger of such enterprises, noting their role in illegal gambling, money laundering, and racketeering, which undermine community safety.
Attorney General Platkin emphasized that while media portrayals of mafia activity can be glamorous, the reality is much grimmer—focused on lawbreaking, money, power, and violence. He further noted that the arrest of an elected official erodes public trust.
The investigation remains ongoing, with potential for more arrests and charges. Shah has yet to enter a plea, and his legal counsel has not responded publicly to the charges.
