Indian-American Councilman Anand Shah Among 40 Arrested in $3 Million Illegal Gambling Bust in New Jersey

Anand Shah, a 42-year-old Indian-origin councilman from New Jersey, has been arrested along with 39 others in connection with a sprawling illegal gambling operation that reportedly generated over $3 million in illicit proceeds. The arrests followed a two-year-long investigation involving federal and state law enforcement agencies, and targeted activities linked to the Lucchese crime family—one of the infamous Five Families of the American Mafia.

The news, first reported by the Associated Press (AP), has sent shockwaves through New Jersey’s Indian-American community, especially in Passaic County, where Shah holds the distinction of being the first Indian-American elected to the borough council in the city of Prospect Park.

According to New Jersey State Police, Shah allegedly played a key role in managing illegal high-stakes poker games and operating an online sports betting platform. These gambling operations were conducted outside the legal framework, and Shah has been charged with racketeering, money laundering, and related offenses. However, it has been clarified that he will not face official misconduct charges in connection with his position as a public office holder.

Shah’s arrest is part of a broader crackdown on organized crime operations in New Jersey. Among those arrested was George Zappola, a known member of the Lucchese crime family, which has long been associated with illegal gambling, loansharking, and other illicit enterprises. The involvement of such high-profile individuals suggests the scale and seriousness of the operation, which law enforcement authorities described as “deeply entrenched” and “highly profitable.”

New Jersey State Police Superintendent Pat Callahan, speaking to AP, confirmed that the investigation had been ongoing for more than two years. It was a collaborative effort between federal agencies and state law enforcement, including undercover operations, surveillance, and financial tracking. The bust represents one of the most significant actions against organized crime’s gambling wing in recent years.

Who is Anand Shah?

Before his arrest, Anand Shah was known as a respected community leader and a successful entrepreneur. He had deep roots in the Indian-American community of New Jersey, and his family hails from Ahmedabad, in the Indian state of Gujarat. Shah had built a name for himself both in politics and business over the past two decades.

He was a longtime resident of Prospect Park and had been actively involved in local affairs. In 2016, Shah made headlines for becoming the first Indian-American elected to the borough council from Passaic County—a notable milestone that was celebrated widely within the South Asian community in the region.

Shah also ran multiple successful food businesses. In a 2016 interview with NorthJersey.com, he revealed that he had been a franchisee of major fast-food chains including Subway and Papa John’s Pizza for more than 15 years. In addition, he was reportedly the owner of as many as 12 restaurants at one point, showcasing his acumen as a businessman.

For many in his community, Shah represented the immigrant success story—an individual who worked hard, built businesses, and gave back through public service. His arrest now leaves constituents and community members stunned and disappointed.

Fallout and Community Reaction

The arrest has cast a shadow over Shah’s public image and career. While officials have stated that he will not face charges directly related to his duties as a councilman, the broader implications of his alleged involvement in a criminal operation are likely to impact his political future.

Community leaders have reacted with a mix of disbelief and concern. Many say that while Shah’s contributions to the local business landscape were widely acknowledged, his alleged connection to a mafia-linked gambling ring has come as a shock.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said a local business owner in Prospect Park, who wished to remain anonymous. “He was someone we looked up to—not just as a politician, but as someone who gave the community a voice.”

Legal Proceedings Ahead

As of now, Anand Shah remains in custody as legal proceedings unfold. Authorities are working to unravel the full extent of the illegal gambling network, which reportedly spanned multiple states and had ties to organized crime families in the region.

Investigators are also examining the financial flows linked to the gambling operations, with a particular focus on how the proceeds were laundered and funneled through shell companies and other business fronts. While no direct misuse of Shah’s public office has been alleged, prosecutors may explore whether his business interests played any role in facilitating the criminal enterprise.

The case underscores the persistent reach of organized crime in modern-day America and the unexpected figures who sometimes become entangled in its web. As the legal process continues, Anand Shah’s future—as a politician, businessman, and community figure—remains uncertain.