PROSPECT PARK, NJ - The New York Post reports that Anand Shah, 44, a council member from Prospect Park, New Jersey, has been permanently banned from holding public office after admitting his role in an illegal gambling ring tied to the Lucchese crime family.
Authorities allege that he pocketed nearly $1 million, most of which he used to fund his political campaign. On Friday, New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced that Shah pleaded guilty to racketeering, money laundering, and official misconduct. He faces up to 15 years in prison, Davenport said.
Shah was a sportsbook agent and poker manager for the gambling ring that operated in restaurants in Morris, Passaic, and Bergen counties between 2017 and August 2023.
Shah, who served as the Finance & Economic Development Insurance councilmember for Prospect Park, hosted the illegal poker rings and operated with subagents and collected “rakes,” The Post reported. As a result, he profited $900,084.
Shah told authorities he would forgive outstanding balances to those who owed him money if they contributed to his campaign fund.
“Public officials have a special duty to ensure that they follow the law,” Davenport said. “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.”
The Lucchese crime family oversaw the poker games, which ceased when officials charged 42 people in connection with the operation. Four illegal poker clubs connected to the family were raided in April 2025, leading to additional locations connected to the ring being uncovered.
The investigation, spanning several years, found $4.79 million in suspected criminal proceeds, which members of the mob allegedly used shell corporations and businesses to hide, Davenport’s office said.
“Traditional organized crime remains a real problem in New Jersey,” said NJ Division of Criminal Justice 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.”
Authorities said 38 people have already pleaded guilty in connection with their roles in the scheme while two others are still facing charges.
Three alleged Lucchese crime family members, George Zappola, Joseph R. Perna, and John G. Perna, occupied high-level positions in the gambling ring and have pleaded guilty to racketeering in exchange for lighter prison sentence recommendations, officials said.
Shah is currently awaiting sentencing, and prosecutors are expected to recommend 10 years in state prison as part of his plea deal.
Shah will also be permanently barred from running for political office in New Jersey again. He resigned last Friday after his plea deal was announced, Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed T. Khairullah announced.
Despite being indicted in April 2025, Shah remained in office despite local officials, including Khairullah, asking him to resign.
“When Mr. Shah was first charged in 2025, I joined my colleagues in calling for his resignation,” Khairullah said. “At the same time, we respected his rights to due process and allowed the judicial process to take its course.”
His office said it will fill his vacancy.
“Prospect Park is bigger than any one individual. We will move forward together,” Khairullah said.
Shah’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 4, 2026.
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