New York: In a major law enforcement operation, an Indian-origin councilman in New Jersey has been named among 39 individuals charged with racketeering, money laundering, and gambling-related offences in connection with an illegal gambling and money laundering ring allegedly tied to organized crime.
Anand Shah, 42, a sitting council member of Prospect Park, New Jersey, and a local business owner, was identified as a key figure in the operation. According to a statement released by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin on Friday, Shah allegedly managed illegal high-stakes poker games and operated an online sportsbook that generated more than USD 3 million in illegal proceeds.
Authorities claim the gambling ring was connected to the notorious Lucchese crime family, one of the Five Families that dominate organized crime activities in New York City and surrounding areas. Shah’s alleged role involved organizing, promoting, and profiting from the illegal gaming operations. He is also accused of helping to launder the proceeds through various businesses.
The investigation, which has been underway for several months, culminated in a coordinated series of raids across 12 locations in North Jersey earlier this week. The multi-agency operation involved state and local law enforcement, including financial crime investigators and organized crime task forces.
“This is a sweeping indictment that sheds light on the extensive reach of organized crime in our communities,” Attorney General Platkin said in his statement. “We allege that these defendants, including a public official, profited off of illegal gambling, defrauded the state, and funneled dirty money through businesses and bank accounts to disguise its criminal origins.”
The charges against Shah and the other defendants include first-degree racketeering, money laundering, promoting gambling, conspiracy, and other related offences. If convicted on the most serious charges, Shah could face several decades in prison.
News of Shah’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the local community. Elected to the Prospect Park Borough Council, Shah was seen as an influential figure in the town’s growing South Asian population. His legal background and entrepreneurial ventures had made him a respected presence in civic and political life.
Mayor Mohamed Khairullah of Prospect Park issued a brief statement expressing concern over the charges, stating that the borough would fully cooperate with any ongoing investigations. “These allegations are serious and troubling. We trust the legal process to take its course,” the mayor said.
The case has also drawn attention to the ongoing influence of organized crime in suburban communities and how such enterprises may be evolving through modern technology. The online sportsbook, in particular, is believed to have operated under the radar using encrypted platforms and untraceable transactions.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have indicated that further arrests or charges may follow as they continue to analyze the evidence. Shah and the other defendants are expected to appear in court in the coming weeks to face formal arraignment. Meanwhile, officials are urging anyone with additional information about the gambling operation to come forward.
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