Who is Anand Shah? Indian origin councilor charged with rocket, gambling offenses in the US | Today news

The member of the Indian Origin Board of Prospect Park, New Jersey, and local business owner Anand Shah, are accused of supervising wrongful Poker games and an online sports book in collaboration with the Lucchese Crime family, according to a statement on Friday by New Jersey Procurator General Matthew, Burg. Shah is one of 39 people charged with rocket, gambling offenses, money laundering and other crimes after law enforcement was performed at 12 places in North Jersey earlier this week. Among those charged is Indian origin Samir Nadkarni, 48, of Longwood, Florida, a sub-agent/Poker host for sports books. Here is an investigation into an investigation into a two -year investigation into illegal gambling activities linked to the Lucchese crime family, and search was done on April 9 at four Poker Clubs in Totowa, Garfield and Woodland Park, including two clubs where poker games are hidden in the back room behind functioning restaurants; an enterprise in Paterson that stores gambling machines; and seven residences of individuals who allegedly run the gambling activities. The investigation uncovered additional Poker Clubs, the involvement of dozens of individuals who allegedly hosted poker games and worked at the Poker clubs, and managed Bettors on an illegal online sports book. Authorities said that the higher management of the gambling business allegedly oversaw the gambling activities and received part of the criminal returns. The investigation led to the identification of more than USD 3 million in suspected criminal returns. Members of the criminal enterprise have used several Shell corporations and functioning enterprises to hide their illegal yields from gambling. “Criminal businesses like this pose a serious threat to the safety and well -being of our communities, which appreciates illegal gambling, money laundering and a profit over people,” said New Jersey State Police Patrick Callahan superintendent. According to the complaint, the gambling operations included social clubs that house live poker games and gambling machines, as well as an extensive online sports book operating on various websites outside the United States. Each Poker Club was operated by high-level managers who delegated the daily operations to managers present during Poker Games. The illegal online sports book was managed by ‘agents’ – a modern version of traditional ‘bookies’ – who created accounts on sports matches offered abroad. According to the allegations, the higher -level operators were responsible for making key decisions, the solution of disputes and the use of intimidation tactics to recover outstanding debt, Pti reports. These sites were a central component of the criminal network, which made illegal sports betting in northern New Jersey and further possible. The individuals who owned, managed and operated the websites played a key role in maintaining the illegal gambling activities. Criminal companies like this pose a serious threat to the safety and well -being of our communities, which drive illegal gambling, money laundering and returns that appreciate profits over people. The sites have allowed traditional members and co -workers of organized crime to use the Internet and current technology to participate in the same criminal acts as traditional organized crime has incurred since the 19th century, the statement says. (With input from PTI) first published: 12 Apr 2025, 10:41 am Ist