New Jersey Lawmaker Anand Shah Arrested and Charged in Illegal Gambling Operation

Prospect Park Borough Council President Anand Shah has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including conspiracy, money laundering, and racketeering in connection with an alleged illegal gambling operation linked to the Lucchese crime family, according to court records.

Shah, 42, a Democrat serving his third term on the council, was among 37 people arrested and 39 charged in a sweeping gambling case that culminated in raids across multiple New Jersey municipalities, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced at a press conference in Newark on Friday.

“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,” Platkin said, as reported by The New York Post. “The arrest of a city council member only adds fuel to that fire.”

The arrests follow a two-year investigation that uncovered illegal gambling operations in Woodland Park, Garfield, and Totowa that allegedly generated $3 million in illegal profits, according to the Attorney General’s office.

On Wednesday, law enforcement raided four illegal poker clubs with connections to the Lucchese crime family, two of which were operating from the backrooms of restaurants. Authorities also searched a Paterson business storing gambling machines and the homes of seven individuals allegedly managing the gambling operation.

Theresa Hilton, director of the Division of Criminal Justice, described the operation as “a highly structured, highly profitable criminal enterprise run by people who thought they were above the law.”

According to the New York Post, Shah allegedly managed illegal poker games and ran an online sportsbook tied to four members of the Lucchese crime family. The 16-page criminal complaint states that Shah possessed gambling records commonly used in bookmaking enterprises or lottery schemes and utilized premises open to the public for gambling activities.

While Shah is described as an “associate” of the crime family, officials clarified that he is not accused of being a made member of the Mafia, nor is he alleged to have used his public office to carry out the crimes.

The councilman faces 11 total charges, including five gambling-related offenses. If convicted on the top charge, Shah could face up to 20 years in prison.

Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah acknowledged the arrest in a statement, urging the public to withhold judgment until the legal process concludes.

“I want to reaffirm that this administration holds all public officials to the highest standards of ethics and accountability,” Khairullah wrote on Facebook. “Our commitment to lawful and transparent government remains firm. Our focus continues to be serving residents with integrity, unity and purpose.”

Shah, whose council term expires this year, was recently accused by a political opponent of annexing public property to his backyard on East Main Street and not paying taxes on the additional land.

Shah is scheduled to appear Tuesday in Morris County court, where prosecutors will argue for his pretrial detention. He did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Sources: northjersey.com, New York Post