Mob Members And NJ Politician Busted For Illegal Poker Games

A New Jersey city councilman and alleged members of the Lucchese crime family were arrested as part of a wide-ranging underground gambling sting on Friday.

State investigators allege that the games were held in restaurants, and Prospect Park Councilman Anand Shah, 42, ran illegal poker games and online sports betting operations for the enterprise.

“I’m keenly aware of the public’s perception of elected officials in New Jersey and the lack of trust that so many have in their public officials and governmental institutions,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. “The arrest of a city council member only adds fuel to that fire.”

Extensive Underground Organization

Law enforcement arrested 37 people and charged another 39 in the operation. This came after a two-year investigation that included raiding locations in Woodland Park, Garfield, and Totowa. Platkin said $3 million in illegal profits were confiscated in raids on the establishments last Wednesday.

Those included four illegal poker rooms, two in restaurants, and another business used to store gambling equipment. Several homes were also searched as part of the investigation. The initial raids led to more poker clubs, and investigators also learned of the underground sports betting operation.

State officials allege that George Zappola, 65, from Red Bank, headed up the overall gambling enterprise and is a leader in the Lucchese crime family. Others arrested and allegedly involved as members of the crime family include Captain Joseph “Big Joe” Perna, 56, of Belleville; John Perna, 47, of Little Falls; and Wayne Cross, 75, of Spring Lake.

According to investigators, upper-level members of the organization allegedly oversaw the entire operation while lower managers ran the games and used threats to collect funds from players and hosts. Investigators said that indebted players could work as dealers to pay off their debts.

“This was a highly structured, highly profitable criminal enterprise run by people who thought they were above the law,” director of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Theresa Hilton said.

Those involved, including the councilman, now face racketeering, conspiracy to promote gambling, money laundering, and other charges.

The news comes after a similar underground poker operation in Central Florida was recently busted, with the leader of the games now facing fraud and money laundering charges.

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