TRENTON — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, alongside the Division of Criminal Justice and New Jersey State Police, announced charges against 39 individuals, including alleged members and associates of the Lucchese Crime Family, for their involvement in a large-scale racketeering and illegal gambling enterprise operating throughout North Jersey.
Among those charged is Anand Shah, a 42-year-old Prospect Park Councilman, who is accused of managing illegal poker games and an online sportsbook connected to the crime family. The investigation, which spanned over two years, culminated in executing search warrants at 12 locations on April 9, including poker clubs in Totowa, Garfield, and Woodland Park—some concealed behind operating restaurants.
Authorities uncovered more than $3 million in suspected criminal proceeds and the use of shell corporations and legitimate businesses to launder the funds. The operation included poker clubs, gambling machines, and an online sportsbook managed by agents and sub-agents who allegedly funneled proceeds to upper management within the Lucchese Crime Family.
High-ranking members charged include:
- George J. Zappola, 65, of Red Bank – identified as part of the 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
Local defendants include:
- Ralph Gibilisco, 65, and Linda Gibilisco, 60, both of East Hanover – Poker club manager and employee
- Frank Gallipoli III, 57, and Robert M. Filippini, 54, both of Wayne – Club manager and sub-agent
- Joseph J. Gossweiler, 41, of Florham Park – Poker club manager and sportsbook sub-agent
- Joan E. Santana-Suarez, 42, of Dover – Sportsbook sub-agent and poker host
- Steven M. Romano, 43, of Lincoln Park – Sportsbook sub-agent
In addition to gambling and racketeering charges, two individuals – Frank Gallipoli III and Ali Radwan, 53, of Woodland Park – are charged with third-degree theft for allegedly shoplifting $22,000 in merchandise from Home Depot to renovate properties used to launder criminal proceeds.
Charges range from first-degree racketeering to fourth-degree gambling offenses. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“This case demonstrates the continued threat organized crime poses to our communities,” said Attorney General Platkin. “This was not a victimless operation—it involved criminal profits, shell companies, and exploitation.”
The case is being prosecuted by the Division of Criminal Justice under Deputy Attorneys General Heather Hausleben and William Cooper-Daub.
For those struggling with gambling addiction, help is available at 1-800-GAMBLER or by visiting the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement’s website for legal operators and support resources.
