By: Richard L. Smith
A Passaic County elected official has admitted participating in an illegal gambling operation tied to the Lucchese crime family and using proceeds from the enterprise to help fund his political campaign, state authorities announced.
According to a statement released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Anand U. Shah, 44, a Prospect Park councilman, pleaded guilty to racketeering, money laundering and official misconduct before Superior Court Judge Ralph E. Amirata in Morris County.
Under the plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend a 10-year state prison sentence, with Shah required to serve 85 percent of the term before becoming eligible for parole.
Shah must also give up his council seat and will be permanently prohibited from holding public office in New Jersey. His sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2026.
Authorities said Shah operated as a sportsbook agent and poker manager within the illegal gambling enterprise.
During his plea hearing, he admitted conspiring with others and participating in gambling and money-laundering activities across Morris, Passaic and Bergen counties.
Investigators said Shah managed dozens of subagents and handled financial transactions connected to the operation.
State officials said some of that money ultimately made its way into Shah’s political campaign.
Shah admitted that individuals who owed him gambling debts were allowed to make campaign contributions instead of repaying what they owed, with their outstanding gambling balances then forgiven.
Authorities said Shah also managed and hosted illegal poker clubs where the house collected a percentage, known as a “rake,” from money wagered during games.
Between January 2017 and August 2023, prosecutors said criminal proceeds directly attributable to Shah totaled $900,084.
The case is part of a sweeping investigation into alleged illegal gambling, loansharking, extortion and money laundering connected to the Lucchese crime family.
Authorities said 42 people have been indicted since the initial arrests in April 2025 following a two-year investigation.
Between October 2025 and August 2026, dozens of defendants have pleaded guilty in connection with the gambling enterprise.
Investigators identified approximately $4.79 million in suspected criminal proceeds and allege that shell companies and legitimate businesses were used to conceal money generated through the operation.
State authorities allege leaders of the New Jersey faction of the Lucchese crime family oversaw gambling activities and received a share of the proceeds.