NJ Councilman Anand Shah Arrested In Gambling Bust Linked To Mafia

India-West News Desk

PROPSECT PARK, NJ – Anand Shah, a two-term councilman from Prospect Park, New Jersey, has been arrested in connection with a large illegal gambling operation.

Shah, who is up for reelection this year, is one of 39 individuals charged with racketeering, gambling offenses, money laundering, and other related crimes.

Authorities say Shah allegedly managed illicit poker games and an online sportsbook in association with the Lucchese Crime Family, one of the most notorious Italian-American mafia groups in the U.S.

Shah’s involvement in the gambling ring comes as a shock for citizens, especially given his role overseeing finance, economic development, and insurance in Prospect Park. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin pointed out

Shah is from Ahmedabad and made his money with pizza and sandwich franchises around NJ.

Another Indian American arrested in connection with the gambling ring was Samir S. Nadkarni, 48, from Longwood, FL.

All the arrested face multiple charges, with the possibility of 10 to 20 years in prison if convicted.