A two-year investigation has culminated in the arrest of a New Jersey councilman and several members of the Lucchese crime family, linked to a sprawling illegal gambling operation.
According to the New York Post, the illicit enterprise involving high-stakes poker and online betting, orchestrated through various establishments, racked up $3 million in profits.
On a chilly Friday morning, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin revealed the results of an extensive investigation that led to the arrest of 37 individuals. Among those arrested was Prospect Park Councilman Anand Shah, who, at 42 years old, was deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of both in-person and online betting platforms.
The arrests shed light on a sophisticated criminal network with links to the notorious Lucchese crime family, highlighting organized crime's adaptation to the digital age. The gambling operations were widespread, spanning cities including Woodland Park, Garfield, and Totowa, as state officials unearthed the extensive illegal activities.
Identified as a pivotal figure in this scheme was George Zappola, aged 65, a senior member of the Lucchese family's ruling panel based in Red Bank. His hierarchical influence extended to other key associates, including Lucchese captain Joseph “Big Joe” Perna and soldiers John Perna and Wayne Cross.
Authorities carried out multiple raids on Wednesday, targeting illegal poker clubs and numerous residences linked to the gambling ring. This operation was not just about card games; it included sophisticated online gambling setups that tapped into foreign websites managed by the mob.
These online portals, as evidenced by the investigation, were integral to the criminal network, enabling the continuation of a legacy of gambling associated with organized crime into the digital realm. According to Matthew Platkin, these websites helped "the mobsters to use the internet and technology to carry out the same criminal activities La Cosa Nostra had been doing the old-fashioned way since the 19th century."
At the heart of the operation were hosts and managers responsible for the smooth running of games, recruitment of players, and even the enforcement of debt collection through threats, demonstrating the racket's coercive undertones.
Along with managing games, Anand Shah's connection with the racket has brought him under severe scrutiny. Facing charges such as racketeering, conspiracy to promote gambling, and money laundering, Shah could see up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charges. Notably, there were no allegations of Shah using his public office to facilitate illegal activities or being an official member of the Mafia.
The implications of Shah's arrest extend beyond the immediate legal consequences. Attorney General Platkin voiced his concerns about the broader impact on public trust in officials; “I’m keenly aware of the public’s perception of elected officials in New Jersey and the lack of trust that so many have in their public officials and governmental institutions," he said, adding that the arrest of a city council member "only adds fuel to that fire."
Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, Theresa Hilton, described the network as "a highly structured, highly profitable criminal enterprise run by people who thought they were above the law." Her statement underscores the audacity and organized nature of the criminal activities orchestrated by the defendants.
As the case unfolds, attention is also on how traditional crime syndicates like the Lucchese family have morphed to incorporate technology, thereby broadening their operational scope and complexity. The integration of online elements into illegal gambling represents a significant shift in how these organizations sustain their activities.
With digital footprints now an integral part of their operations, law enforcement's approach to tackling organized crime has also had to evolve, showcasing a cat-and-mouse game between criminals and the police.
As the legal battles commence, the eyes of both law enforcement and the public remain fixed on how deeply the tendrils of organized crime have embedded themselves into the fabric of local communities, and the ongoing fight to draw them out.
