New Jersey Charges 39 in Lucchese Crime Family Gambling Bust

In one of the largest takedowns of its kind in recent years, New Jersey authorities have charged 39 individuals, including known associates of the Lucchese crime family and an elected borough councilman, in connection with a sprawling illegal gambling and money laundering operation that generated millions in illicit revenue across North Jersey.

Announced by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin alongside the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) and the New Jersey State Police, the arrests stem from a two-year investigation into underground gambling networks tied to traditional organized crime. On April 9, 2025, law enforcement executed coordinated raids at 12 separate sites in Totowa, Garfield, Woodland Park, and Paterson, including poker clubs, a business storing gambling machines, and homes of alleged ringleaders.

Poker Clubs, Shell Companies, and Online Sportsbooks

Authorities allege the criminal enterprise revolved around illicit poker clubs and online sports betting platforms, with the operation being tightly managed by a hierarchical structure. Managers were responsible for running card games and collecting “rent” from hosts, who provided players, with refreshments, and the financial backing for the games. Profits were derived from a “rake” taken from each hand dealt, and some dealers reportedly worked off prior debts owed to the hosts.

The poker rooms, sometimes hidden behind functioning eateries such as Cafe San Gennaro in Woodland Park, also featured gambling machines. In Paterson, police uncovered more machines stored at a separate commercial site.

Additionally, the online gambling wing operated through foreign-based websites overseen by “agents” who managed clusters of bettors referred to as “packages.” These agents, comparable to traditional bookmakers, were required to remit a share of their profits to the upper echelons of the enterprise.

According to the complaint, those at the top—including several alleged Lucchese family members—dictated business operations, handled disputes, and used threats to collect debts. These profits, estimated at over $3 million, were laundered through legitimate-looking shell companies and businesses.

Councilman Among the Accused

Among those arrested was Anand Shah, 42, a sitting councilman and local business owner from Prospect Park. Shah is accused of overseeing poker operations and an illegal online sportsbook connected to the wider criminal scheme. He was taken into custody Wednesday and remains jailed ahead of a detention hearing. Court records list no attorney representing him as of yet.

Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed T. Khairullah emphasized that Shah’s legal troubles were unrelated to his public office, stating, “Our commitment to lawful and transparent governance remains firm.” Shah was re-elected in 2022 and has not responded publicly to the charges.

Lucchese Leadership and Coordinated Theft

The criminal network’s leadership allegedly included high-ranking Lucchese affiliates such as George Zappola, 65, of Red Bank; Joseph R. “Big Joe” Perna, 56, of Belleville; John Perna, 47, of Little Falls; and Wayne Cross, 75, of Spring Lake, who was referred to in court as a Lucchese “soldier.” All four face first-degree racketeering charges, among others.

Beyond gambling, the investigation linked some suspects to retail theft. Ali Radwan, 53, of Woodland Park, and Frank Gallipoli III, 57, of Totowa, are charged with stealing merchandise—primarily from Home Depot—for use in property renovations allegedly meant to launder illegal proceeds. The store confirmed approximately $22,000 worth of items were stolen.

Prosecutors Warn of Broader Risks

Officials stress that these aren’t victimless crimes. “This was not a backyard betting pool. This was a highly structured, highly profitable criminal enterprise run by people who believed they were above the law,” said Theresa Hilton, Director of the DCJ, according to NJ.com. She noted that illegal gambling can spawn related offenses such as theft and financial fraud.

Attorney General Platkin echoed this sentiment. “Romanticized versions of organized crime have been the subject of countless movies and television shows… But the reality isn’t romantic or cinematic. It’s about breaking the laws the rest of us follow and, ultimately, it’s about money, control, and the threat of violence.”

Colonel Patrick Callahan of the NJ State Police called the operation one of the most complex he’s seen in his three decades of service. “Thanks to our detectives’ tireless work and unwavering commitment, this operation was successfully dismantled — sending a strong message that we will not tolerate this kind of criminal activity in New Jersey.”

Legal Consequences and Court Proceedings

All 39 defendants are facing serious charges, including first-degree racketeering, second-degree conspiracy to promote gambling and money laundering, as well as additional third- and fourth-degree offenses. Six individuals are being held due to potential threats of violence or participation in planned violent acts.

If convicted, first-degree charges could result in 10 to 20 years behind bars and up to $200,000 in fines. Second-degree convictions carry a potential five to 10 years of imprisonment, while third- and fourth-degree offenses could lead to shorter prison terms and smaller fines.

Initial court appearances began Thursday in Morris County Superior Court. Deputy Attorneys General Heather Hausleben and William Cooper-Daub are prosecuting the case, which was investigated under the leadership of Detective Sergeant Michael Gallant and supported by numerous federal and state law enforcement partners.