39 individuals charged with racketeering, gambling offenses, and money laundering
The New Jersey Attorney General released information today regarding an operation targeting the Lucchese Crime Family’s illegal gambling activities. The Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) announced the arrest of 39 individuals, including a Prospect Park councilman, for racketeering, gambling offenses, and money laundering.
Investigation into the Lucchese Crime Family’s illegal activities
The investigation, which took two years to complete, focused on illegal gambling activities tied to the Lucchese Crime Family. The DCJ and NJSP conducted search warrants on April 9, 2023, at 12 locations throughout North Jersey. The search warrants targeted four poker clubs located in Totowa, Garfield, and Woodland Park, including two clubs that operated backroom poker games behind functioning restaurants. Two additional clubs were searched in Paterson, where gambling machines were stored. Seven residences of individuals allegedly involved in managing the gambling activities were also searched.
Key findings of the investigation
• The investigation uncovered a large-scale, high-level operation involving dozens of individuals who managed and operated poker clubs, online sportsbooks, and backroom poker games. • The operation involved multiple shell corporations and functioning businesses to conceal the flow of money from the illegal activities. • The alleged leaders of the operation, many of whom are members of the Lucchese Crime Family, are charged with racketeering, conspiracy to promote gambling, and money laundering. • The investigation revealed that the operation generated over $3 million in suspected criminal proceeds.
Charges against the defendants
• 39 individuals, including a Prospect Park councilman, were charged with racketeering, gambling offenses, and money laundering. • The defendants include high-level managers, poker club managers, sportsbook agents, and other individuals involved in the operation. • The charges against the defendants include first-degree racketeering, second-degree conspiracy to promote gambling and money laundering, and other offenses.
Response from the authorities
• Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin stated, “The reality of organized crime is not romanticized; it is about breaking laws, money, and control, and ultimately, the threat of violence. My office will bring every resource available to crack down on violent criminals and will root out all forms of organized crime.”
• DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton added, “The alleged crimes committed by the Lucchese Crime Family pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our communities. We will not tolerate this kind of criminal activity in New Jersey.”
• NJSP Colonel Patrick J. Callahan emphasized, “Criminal enterprises like this drive illegal gambling, money laundering, and racketeering operations. We successfully dismantled this operation and sent a strong message that we will not tolerate this kind of activity in New Jersey.”
• Anand U. Shah, a Prospect Park councilman and local business owner, was identified as allegedly managing illegal poker games and an online sportsbook in association with the Lucchese Crime Family. • George J. Zappola, a high-level manager, is charged with first-degree racketeering and second-degree conspiracy to promote gambling and money laundering. • Joseph R. Perna, a captain, is also charged with racketeering and conspiracy to promote gambling. • Wayne D. Cross, a soldier, is charged with racketeering and money laundering.
• The defendants come from various backgrounds and have different roles in the operation. • Some defendants are alleged to have used multiple shell corporations and functioning businesses to conceal their involvement in the operation.
• The defendants face charges that carry significant penalties, including prison time and fines. • First-degree charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine up to $200,000. • Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine up to $150,000.
