MORRISTOWN, N.J. — April 11, 2025 — In a major crackdown on organized crime, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced charges against 39 individuals, including alleged members of the Lucchese Crime Family and a local councilman, following a sweeping two-year investigation into an illegal gambling empire based in North Jersey.
The takedown culminated on April 9, when law enforcement executed 12 search warrants targeting four underground poker clubs in Totowa, Garfield, and Woodland Park, several private homes, and a Paterson warehouse used to store illegal gambling machines. Some poker clubs operated secretly behind restaurant façades.
One of the most high-profile defendants is Anand Shah, 42, a Prospect Park councilman, who allegedly helped manage poker games and an online sportsbook, working directly with Lucchese associates.
The charges range from first-degree racketeering to money laundering, conspiracy to promote gambling, criminal usury, and theft. Prosecutors estimate the operation generated more than $3 million in criminal proceeds, much of it allegedly funneled through shell companies and legitimate businesses to obscure its origin.
Authorities identified key members of the Lucchese hierarchy among the charged:
George J. Zappola, 65, of Red Bank – Lucchese ruling panel
Joseph R. “Big Joe” Perna, 56, of Belleville – Lucchese captain
John G. Perna, 47, of Little Falls – Lucchese soldier
Wayne D. Cross, 75, of Spring Lake – Lucchese soldier
According to investigators, the syndicate used a structured network of “agents” and “sub-agents” to manage bettors, handle transactions, and deliver profits to higher-ups. Poker games collected fees and employed dealers, some of whom worked off their gambling debts.
In a related case, Ali Radwan, 53, and Frank Gallipoli III, 57, were charged with theft by unlawful taking for allegedly shoplifting $22,000 worth of merchandise from Home Depot. Authorities believe the goods were used to renovate real estate flip properties, potentially serving as a vehicle to launder illicit profits.
Gallipoli was also identified as a poker club manager, further connecting him to the gambling ring.
All 39 individuals appeared before a judge on April 10 in Morris County Superior Court. If convicted, some face up to 20 years in state prison and fines reaching $200,000, depending on their charges.
The investigation was a joint effort by the New Jersey State Police, FBI (Newark and New York offices), U.S. Marshals, Federal Probation, and the Department of Corrections Special Operations Group. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General Heather Hausleben and William Cooper-Daub, under Assistant Attorney General Erik Daab.
Officials emphasized that illegal gambling enterprises can lead to financial ruin and criminal consequences. Residents struggling with gambling problems are encouraged to call 1-800-GAMBLER for support. Details on legal gaming platforms are available through the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
