Cops Bust Mob for Rgriffon slotsunning Illegal Poker Games in Jersey

Dozens of people allegedly connected to the infamous Lucchese crime family were arrested last week for operating illegal poker clubs in New Jersey.

The 37 arrests — plus two others charged — include city councilman Anand Shah and mobsters said to have operated out of restaurant backrooms across the state. Shah, 42, is alleged to have managed the illegal poker games. The Prospect Park resident and politician is a known business owner who previously owned numerous Papa John's Pizza and Subway shops.

Illegal Poker Clubs

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, at a Friday news conference, said Shah not only managed the poker games, but also helped the crime family run an online sportsbook.

“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,” Platkin told reporters. “The arrest of a city council member only adds fuel to that fire.”

The poker club profits are said to have exceeded $3 million. Police wrapped a two-year investigation on Wednesday by raiding four illegal poker clubs connected to the Lucchese family.

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

The Lucchese family, known mobsters in New York and New Jersey, has passed down criminal activity through generations since the 1920s. George "Georgie Neck" Zappola, whom police believe to be a Lucchese ruling panel member, is among the high-profile arrests. All 39 individuals alleged to have been involved have been charged with first-degree racketeering, second-degree conspiracy, and other crimes.

"Organized crime in 2025 may look different than it did 50 years ago, especially thanks to the online component," Platkin said. "And some of the language may have changed. But it's the same old story. Criminals motivated by greed and power who think they are above the law."

Investigators claim high-level managers connected to the crime family delegated daily operations to lower-level managers who collected dues from hosts of the illegal poker games. The hosts were responsible for recruting players and would collect rake out of the games.

Those charged could face decades in prison. The racketeering charge alone is punishable up to 20 years.

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