Former New Jersey councilman banned from office over involvement in illegal gambling
Anand Shah could face up to 10 years in prison.
US.- Former New Jersey Prospect Park councilman Anand Shah been banned from holding public office after pleading guilty to racketeering, money laundering and official misconduct. The charges relate to his role in an illegal gambling ring operating across Morris, Passaic and Bergen counties.
According to New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, Shah acted as a sportsbook agent and poker manager for the operation, which used restaurants as fronts. The scheme operated for nearly six years, between January 2017 and August 2023.
Shah is said to have generated nearly $1m through the operation, including $900,084 from hosting illegal poker games and collecting a share of the proceeds. Prosecutors said he also offered to waive poker debts if people contributed to his political campaign.
Shah, 44, resigned from his position last Friday. Prosecutors have recommended the maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Davenport said public officials had a responsibility to uphold the law and accused Shah of using illegal proceeds to support his political career.
New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton said: “Even with a variety of legal gambling options, illegal gambling rings run by organised crime continue to operate in backrooms and online. Law enforcement will continue to dismantle these criminal enterprises no matter where they operate.”
