New Jersey councilman admitted to ties with Lucchese crime family and cops to pocketing nearly $1 million. It’s left him banned from office

Prospect Park Councilman Anand Shah has been permanently barred from holding public office after pleading guilty to his role in a massive illegal gambling ring connected to the Lucchese crime family. According to The NY Post, the 44-year-old New Jersey politician admitted to racketeering, money laundering, and official misconduct, a series of charges that now carry a recommended sentence of 10 years in state prison.

This outcome is a result of a long and complex investigation into a criminal enterprise that operated across Morris, Passaic, and Bergen counties. The New Jersey Globe reported that Shah served as a key player in the operation, functioning as a sportsbook agent and managing illegal poker games. He didn’t just facilitate these games; he actively managed subagents and directed portions of the illicit proceeds directly into his own political campaign. 

Between January 2017 and August 2023, authorities attributed $900,084 in criminal proceeds to Shah. The scheme involved a particularly devious method of funding his political career. Per NJ.com, Shah admitted that he would forgive outstanding gambling debts for individuals if they agreed to contribute that money to his campaign fund instead. 

A stunning breach of public trust 

According to the outlet, Attorney General Jennifer Davenport addressed the severity of the situation, stating, “Public officials have a special duty to ensure that they follow the law. The defendant not only broke the law, but he then used criminal proceeds to fund his political campaign. Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that no one is above the law.” Interestingly, he isn’t the only politician in court. Recently, a former Ohio Mayor changed his mind about a Jury trial. 

The NY Post reported that the investigation, which spanned two years, uncovered approximately $4.79 million in total suspected criminal proceeds. Members of the ring, including those associated with the Lucchese crime family, reportedly used shell corporations and legitimate businesses to hide the source of their money. In another case, a Florida woman pleaded guilty to racketeering charges involving rugs from stores like T.J. Maxx.

Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton emphasized the ongoing nature of this threat. She told the NY Post, “Traditional organized crime remains a real problem in New Jersey. Even with a variety of legal gambling options, illegal gambling rings run by organized crime continue to operate in backrooms and online. Law enforcement will continue to dismantle these criminal enterprises no matter where they operate.”

Shah was first arrested and charged in April 2025, yet he remained in office for months afterward. He even secured a nomination from Democrats for a third term and was re-elected, earning 821 votes despite the pending charges. Former councilman Robert Artis expressed the confusion felt by many residents, telling NJ.com, “People were calling me and calling all of us, saying, you know, ‘Why is he able to run for office?’ Why isn’t he stepping down?”

In a previous interview with NJ.com in 2025, Shah had denied any involvement in the criminal ring. At the time, he claimed, “I don’t even know who the Lucchese family is. I don’t gamble. I’ve never seen them or spoken to them. I don’t even know who they are.” This statement stands in stark contrast to his recent guilty plea.

Following the plea, Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah announced that Shah officially resigned on Friday. In a statement posted to his Facebook page, the mayor wrote, “Mr. Shah has served many people in our community during his years on the Council, and many residents have appreciated his service. Today, through his plea deal and decision to step away from public office, he has taken responsibility for his actions.” 

The mayor also added, “When Mr. Shah was first charged in 2025, I joined my colleagues in calling for his resignation. At the same time, we respected his right to due process and allowed the judicial process to take its course.” He noted, “I recognize that this is a difficult time for Mr. Shah and his family, and I wish them strength as they move forward.”

The legal process is now nearing its conclusion. With Shah’s plea, 39 of the 42 indicted individuals have now pleaded guilty, and the focus shifts to the sentencing of the remaining defendants. Per the NY Post, Shah is scheduled to be sentenced by Superior Court Judge Ralph Amirata on December 4. 

While the town prepares to fill the vacancy left by his departure, the residents of Prospect Park are left to move past this chapter of local corruption. As Khairullah stated, “Prospect Park is bigger than any one individual. We will move forward together.”