Passaic County Sheriff Seizes $95,000 from Illegal Gambling Operation at Paterson New Jersey Corner Store
TL;DR — New Jersey authorities seized $95,000 from illegal gambling at a Paterson corner store on August 26, 2026, arresting owners Alejandro and Cesar Munoz-Soriano. The raid follows ex-councilman Anand U Shah’s guilty plea in a linked case involving hundreds of thousands in profits. Both actions show persistent pressure on unlicensed operations.
SCCG Take — These cases signal that New Jersey maintains strict enforcement against illegal gambling even after legalization, underscoring compliance boundaries for all market participants.
New Jersey law enforcement seized $95,000 from an illegal gambling operation at Angel’s Rosa Parks Food in Paterson. The Passaic County Sheriff’s Office began its investigation in June after receiving a tip about gambling activity at the location. Officers executed a search warrant on August 26, 2026, and discovered a secret chute behind the counter tied to the operation.
The owners, Alejandro Munoz-Soriano and Cesar Munoz-Soriano, were arrested and charged with promoting gambling as well as possession of gambling records and devices. Both men have been released pending a court hearing.
Former Councilman Pleads Guilty in Related Illegal Gambling Case
The Paterson raid follows the guilty plea entered by Anand U Shah, former councilman of Prospect Park. Shah admitted to hosting power games and taking a rake from an illegal gambling ring that generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in profit. He has resigned his office, been barred from holding public office in the future, and faces up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for December 4, 2026.
These enforcement actions, as reported by GamblingNews, reflect sustained efforts to dismantle illegal gambling venues that continue to appear despite strict oversight and the clear risks involved.
Reporting: GamblingNews
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
New Jersey isn't just regulating legal operators — it's actively hunting and shutting down unlicensed gambling with real consequences.
We've built and advised regulated shops across New Jersey for years. These raids remind everyone that channelization only works when enforcement is credible. The state's willingness to prosecute a former councilman and corner store operators alike shows they mean business, and every compliance gap is a business risk.
- $95,000 seized, two owners arrested at Angel's Rosa Parks Food after June tip
- Ex-councilman Anand U Shah pleads guilty, faces 10 years for illegal poker rake
- New Jersey enforcement remains aggressive even years after legalization
SCCG angle: SCCG has deep relationships with New Jersey regulators, tribal and commercial operators, and compliance specialists who navigate these exact lines daily. When you're structuring market entry or partnerships in enforcement-heavy states, we connect you to the right advisors and vetted operators who stay clean.
Gaming, betting and prediction markets — the desk’s read, every weekday.
Subscribe →