Councilman Among 39 Charged in Extensive Gambing and Money Laundering Scheme in New Jersey
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.
This operation was announced by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, alongside the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) and the New Jersey State Police. The arrests stemmed 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 locations in Totowa, Garfield, Woodland Park, and Paterson, which included poker clubs, a business storing gambling machines, and the homes of alleged ringleaders.
Authorities allege that the criminal enterprise revolved around illicit poker clubs and online sports betting platforms, with a tightly managed hierarchical structure. Managers were responsible for running card games and collecting “rent” from hosts, who provided players with refreshments and 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 Café San Gennaro in Woodland Park, also featured gambling machines. Additionally, in Paterson, police uncovered more machines stored at a separate commercial site. Gambling New Jersey
The online gambling wing of the operation 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. The profits from this operation, estimated at over $3 million, were laundered through legitimate-looking shell companies and businesses.
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 on Wednesday and remains jailed ahead of a detention hearing. As of now, court records indicate no attorney representing him. Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed T. Khairullah emphasized that Shah’s legal troubles were unrelated to his public office, stating, “Our commitment to lawful and transparent governance remains firm.” Shah was re-elected in 2022 and has not publicly responded to the charges against him. Gambling New Jersey
The leadership of the criminal network allegedly included high-ranking Lucchese affiliates such as George Zappola, 65, of Red Bank; Joseph R. “Big Joe” Perna, 56, of Belleville; John Perna, 47, of Little Falls; and Wayne Cross, 75, of Spring Lake, who was referred to in court as a Lucchese “soldier.” All four face first-degree racketeering charges, among other offenses. Beyond the gambling activities, the investigation linked some suspects to retail theft. Ali Radwan, 53, of Woodland Park, and Frank Gallipoli III, 57, of Totowa, are charged with stealing merchandise—primarily from Home Depot—for use in property renovations allegedly intended to launder illegal proceeds. The store confirmed that approximately $22,000 worth of items had been stolen.
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Officials stress that these are not victimless crimes. “This was not a backyard betting pool. This was a highly structured, highly profitable criminal enterprise run by people who believed they were above the law,” stated Theresa Hilton, Director of the DCJ, according to NJ.com. She pointed out that illegal gambling can spawn related offenses such as theft and financial fraud. Attorney General Platkin echoed this sentiment, noting, “Romanticized versions of organized crime have been the subject of countless movies and television shows… But the reality isn’t romantic or cinematic. It’s about breaking the laws the rest of us follow and, ultimately, it’s about money, control, and the threat of violence.”
Colonel Patrick Callahan of the NJ State Police referred to the operation as one of the most complex he has seen in his three decades of service. He praised the detectives for their tireless work, stating, “Thanks to our detectives’ tireless work and unwavering commitment, this operation was successfully dismantled—sending a strong message that we will not tolerate this kind of criminal activity in New Jersey.”
All 39 defendants are facing severe charges, including first-degree racketeering, second-degree conspiracy to promote gambling and money laundering, in addition to other third- and fourth-degree offenses. Six individuals are being held due to potential threats of violence or participation in planned violent acts.
If convicted, first-degree charges could lead to 10 to 20 years behind bars and up to $200,000 in fines. Second-degree convictions carry a potential sentence of five to 10 years of imprisonment, while third- and fourth-degree offenses could result in shorter prison terms and smaller fines. Initial court appearances began on Thursday in Morris County Superior Court.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General Heather Hausleben and William Cooper-Daub, and it was investigated under the leadership of Detective Sergeant Michael Gallant, with support from various federal and state law enforcement partners. Gambling New Jersey
