New Jersey Democrat councilman arrested in statewide mob-linked gambling bust
A massive law enforcement operation has exposed a web of organized crime stretching from backroom poker games to offshore betting networks.
TRENTON, N.J. — A sweeping racketeering investigation has led to charges against 39 individuals — including a Prospect Park councilman and alleged members of the Lucchese Crime Family — in connection with a sprawling illegal gambling operation in northern New Jersey, state officials announced Wednesday.
Key Points
A two-year investigation led to charges against 39 individuals involved in illegal gambling linked to the Lucchese Crime Family.
Over $3 million in suspected criminal proceeds were uncovered through poker clubs and offshore sportsbooks.
High-ranking Lucchese members and a New Jersey councilman were among those arrested and charged with racketeering and related crimes.
Investigation targeted illegal clubs and offshore sportsbooks
Search warrants were executed at 12 locations on April 9 across Totowa, Garfield, Woodland Park, Paterson, and surrounding areas, uncovering poker clubs operating behind restaurants, gambling machines, and offshore online sportsbooks. The probe revealed more than $3 million in suspected criminal proceeds laundered through shell corporations and legitimate-seeming businesses.
Prospect Park Councilman Anand Shah
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said, “It’s about breaking the laws the rest of us follow and, ultimately, it’s about money, control, and the threat of violence.”
The arrests follow a two-year investigation conducted by the New Jersey State Police and the Division of Criminal Justice, which identified poker clubs and online gambling sites allegedly run by members and associates of the Lucchese Crime Family.
Councilman and crime family members among those charged
Among those arrested is Anand Shah, 42, a Prospect Park councilman accused of managing illegal poker games and an offshore sportsbook. Also charged were George Zappola, 65, identified as part of the Lucchese ruling panel, and Joseph “Big Joe” Perna, 56, a Lucchese captain. Additional defendants include John Perna, 47, and Wayne Cross, 75, both identified as Lucchese soldiers.
“The reality isn’t romantic or cinematic,” Platkin said. “This is organized crime using modern tools to commit age-old offenses.”
The charges include first-degree racketeering, second-degree conspiracy, gambling promotion, and money laundering. Some defendants also face theft charges related to alleged retail crimes tied to the gambling network.
Structure of the gambling ring revealed
The organization operated through poker clubs that offered live games and slot-style machines. Club managers collected “rent” from poker hosts, who recruited players, provided food and drinks, and funded the games. Dealers were either paid or worked off prior debts. Poker games generated profits through the “rake,” a percentage of each pot taken by the house.
The digital aspect of the enterprise involved offshore websites accessed through agents and sub-agents who managed bettors and relayed proceeds to upper management. These sites were allegedly controlled by the same network, blending traditional organized crime operations with modern technology.
Threats, shell companies used to sustain criminal enterprise
Authorities say the enterprise settled disputes through threats and coercion, maintaining control of illegal activities through intimidation. The use of shell companies and functioning businesses helped obscure illicit revenue streams and shield the operation from detection.
Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, stated the takedown “was successfully dismantled — sending a strong message that we will not tolerate this kind of criminal activity in New Jersey.”
Charged individuals span multiple roles and jurisdictions
The list of those charged includes poker hosts, club managers, offshore sportsbook agents, sub-agents, and money launderers from towns across New Jersey and even as far as Florida. Each is accused of contributing to the illegal operation’s growth and sustainability.
The following charged defendants are alleged to have the below listed positions in the criminal enterprise:
George J. Zappola, 65, of Red Bank, New Jersey, Lucchese ruling panel
Joseph R. Perna, 56, of Belleville, New Jersey, Lucchese captain
John G. Perna, 47, of Little Falls, New Jersey, Lucchese soldier
Wayne D. Cross, 75, of Spring Lake, New Jersey, Lucchese soldier
Michael P. Frasso, 48, of Cedar Grove, New Jersey, sportsbook agent
Gerard V. Frasso, 46, of Cedar Grove, New Jersey, sportsbook agent
Anand U. Shah, 42, of Prospect Park, New Jersey, sportsbook agent/poker manager
Roberto Aliano, 45, of Wayne, New Jersey, poker-club manager
Frank Gallipoli III, 57, of Totowa, New Jersey, poker-club manager
Frank Imparato, 46, of Saddle Brook, New Jersey, poker-club manager
Mario Capalbo, 71, of Woodland Park, New Jersey, poker-club manager and gambling-machine supplier
Ralph P. Gibilisco, 65, of East Hanover, New Jersey, poker-club manager
Linda Gibilisco, 60, of East Hanover, New Jersey, poker-club employee
John T. Capone, 60, of Belleville, New Jersey, sportsbook sub-agent
Issa Sebahie, 50, of Edgewater, New Jersey, sportsbook sub-agent/poker host and dealer
Michael A. Khoury, 33, of Edgewater, New Jersey, sportsbook sub-agent
Robert M. Filippini, 54, of Wayne, New Jersey, sportsbook sub-agent
Jahed Ali, 33, of Paterson, New Jersey, sportsbook sub-agent/poker dealer and promoter
Christopher M. Trimble, 52, of Lincroft (Middletown Township), New Jersey, sportsbook sub-agent
Stephen D. Prince, 64, of Wayne, New Jersey, sportsbook sub-agent
Steven Bongo, 65, of West Caldwell, New Jersey, sportsbook sub-agent
Steven M. Romano, 43, of Lincoln Park, New Jersey, sportsbook sub-agent
Richard J. Belle, 39, of Wayne, New Jersey, sportsbook sub-agent
Roberto Roman Jr., 47, of Basking Ridge (Bernards Township), New Jersey, sportsbook sub-agent
Samuel R. Shirak, 33, of North Haledon, New Jersey, sportsbook sub-agent
Louis D’Alessandro, 63, of Cedar Grove, New Jersey, sportsbook sub-agent
Joseph J. Gossweiler, 41, of Florham Park, New Jersey, sportsbook sub-agent/poker-club manager
James A. Romano, 37, of Island Heights, New Jersey, sportsbook sub-agent
Mohamed H. Nassar, 38, of West New York, New Jersey, poker host
Ramze Hassan, 47, of Totowa, New Jersey, poker-club employee
Giovanni G. Gallipoli, 27, of Totowa, New Jersey, poker-club employee
Jose D. Hernandez, 50, of Totowa, New Jersey, poker-club employee
Samir S. Nadkarni, 48, of Longwood, Florida, sportsbook sub-agent/poker host
Naser M. Matari, 56, of Paterson, New Jersey, poker host
Michael J. Ricciardi, 38, of Brandon, Florida, sportsbook sub-agent/poker host
Joan E. Santana-Suarez, 42, of Dover, New Jersey, sportsbook sub-agent/poker host
Justin Kim, 51, of Haworth, New Jersey, poker host
Jamil Sadullayev, 46 of Montvale, New Jersey, money launderer
