An Indian-origin politician in New Jersey has resigned from his public position after admitting that he was involved in an illegal gambling operation linked to the Lucchese crime family.
According to TimesofIndia, Anand Shah, 44, was a councilman in Prospect Park. He pleaded guilty to running illegal gambling activities, hiding money, and misusing his public position. He is now permanently banned from holding public office in New Jersey.
Anand Shah is also facing up to 10 years in prison and is expected to be sentenced on December 4.
According to prosecutors, Anand Shah was involved in an illegal gambling network that operated in restaurants across several New Jersey counties between 2017 and 2023. He reportedly helped run illegal poker games and sports betting activities. The operation allegedly made Anand Shah around $900,000.
The case became even more serious because prosecutors said Anand Shah used some of the illegal gambling money to support his political activities. He allegedly allowed people to clear their gambling debts if they instead gave money to his political campaign.
Anand Shah remained on the council even after he was charged in 2025. Local officials had earlier asked him to step down. He finally resigned after his guilty plea became public.
The case is part of a much larger investigation into an illegal gambling network connected to the Lucchese crime family. Authorities have charged 42 people in connection with the operation. Investigators say the network generated around $4.79 million through illegal gambling. Several people involved in the operation have already pleaded guilty.
The case highlights how organized crime groups continue to run illegal gambling operations even in a state where gambling is legal.
For Anand Shah, the political career he built in New Jersey is now over. Along with stepping down from office, he faces the possibility of a long prison sentence.
