New Jersey Councilman Anand Shah Pleads Guilty to Racketeering in Lucchese Family Illegal Gambling Operation

New Jersey Councilman Anand Shah pleaded guilty last week to racketeering, money laundering, and official misconduct for running an illegal sportsbook and poker games with members of the Lucchese crime family. Shah collected over $900,000 from the scheme between 2017 and 2023. The operation generated $4.79 million in criminal proceeds according to a Casino Beats report. He resigned from the Prospect Park Council after the plea.

Shah was arrested in April 2025 and spent seven weeks in Morris County Jail. He initially described the detention as wrongful and denied all charges. Despite this, he won reelection to the Prospect Park Council. Elected officials had called for his resignation at the time.

Reversal From Prior Denials

The guilty plea represents a sharp change from Shah‘s earlier public statements. Following his release from jail, his lawyer said the charges would not deter or distract him from fulfilling his responsibilities to constituents. In a Facebook post, Shah made no reference to the allegations. After pleading guilty, he posted a new message accepting responsibility.

“To anyone whom I have disappointed, I offer my sincere apology,” Shah wrote. “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.”

Organized Crime Activity Despite Legal Gambling Options

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said: “Public officials have a special duty to ensure that they follow the law. 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.”

DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton said: “Traditional organized crime remains a real problem in New Jersey. 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.”

A total of 42 individuals were arrested in the investigation. With Shah’s plea, 38 have now pleaded guilty. The case forms part of broader actions that have also targeted the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese families. A separate Lucchese-linked indictment involved an illegal sportsbook on New Jersey college campuses that generated over $2 million in profits.

Reporting: Casino Beats

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