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New Jersey Councilman Anand Shah Admits Running Illegal Gambling Operation With Mafia Crime Family

By jili tutorial · September 4, 2026

New Jersey Councilman Anand Shah Admits Running Illegal Gambling Operation With Mafia Crime Family

Overview of the Case

Nearly 18 months after his arrest, New Jersey Councilman Anand Shah has pleaded guilty to racketeering, money laundering, and official misconduct. Shah admitted to operating an illegal sportsbook and organizing poker games in collaboration with members of the Lucchese crime family. Following his guilty plea last week, he resigned from his position on the Borough of Prospect Park Council.

In a Facebook apology to local residents, Shah wrote: “To anyone whom I have disappointed, I offer my sincere apology. I accept responsibility for the circumstances that have brought me to this point in my life. I intend to face what lies ahead with humility, reflection, accountability, and a commitment to becoming a better person.”

Shah’s Shifting Stance: From Denial to Guilty Plea

This message marked a dramatic reversal from Shah’s previous public statements. After his release from Morris County Jail in July 2025—following seven weeks of what he called “wrongful detention”—he posted on Facebook, but made no mention of the charges. At that time, Prospect Park officials called for his resignation. His lawyer responded, “These charges will not deter or distract Mr. Shah from fulfilling his responsibilities to the constituents of the great Borough of Prospect Park.”

The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office detailed 18 charges against Shah in October last year. He denied the allegations at the time, and one month later, he won reelection to the council.

Details of the Illegal Gambling Operation

Prosecutors alleged that Shah was a central figure in a mafia-run gambling ring. His role included accepting sports bets, organizing illegal poker games, and “threatening to inflict bodily injury” on multiple victims who owed gambling debts. He also admitted to forgiving debts in exchange for gamblers donating to his political campaigns.

Between 2017 and 2023, Shah collected over $900,000 from the scheme. He worked closely with members of the Lucchese crime family to manage the operation.

Broader Investigation and Arrests

A two-year investigation led to 42 arrests in total. By June, 27 individuals had pleaded guilty; with Shah’s plea, the number now stands at 38. Investigators reported that the operation generated $4.79 million in criminal proceeds.

“Public officials have a special duty to ensure that they follow the law,” said Attorney General Jennifer Davenport in a press release. “The defendant not only broke the law, but he then used criminal proceeds to fund his political campaign. Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that no one is above the law.”

“Traditional organized crime remains a real problem in New Jersey,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “Even with a variety of legal gambling options, illegal gambling rings run by organized crime continue to operate in backrooms and online. Law enforcement will continue to dismantle these criminal enterprises no matter where they operate.”

Separate Indictment: Illegal Betting on College Campuses

A related indictment alleges that other Lucchese family members ran illegal sports betting on college campuses in New Jersey. Joseph M. Perna, cousin of Joseph R. Perna—who headed the operation involving Shah—is accused of operating an illegal sportsbook with his son, also named Joseph R. Perna. The younger Perna recruited student-athletes at multiple colleges to act as agents, taking bets from other students. Authorities say this business generated over $2 million in profits.

Broader Mafia Crackdown

In addition to the Lucchese family—one of New York’s famous five mafia families—prosecutors have also targeted the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese families. Members and associates of these families were indicted alongside NBA coach Chauncey Billups and former player Damon Jones, who admitted to participating in rigged poker games.

This article originally appeared on CasinoBeats.