4-11-2025 3:41pm

State Charges 39 in Major Racketeering Case Linked to Lucchese Crime Family

Operation dismantles illegal gambling network stretching across North Jersey, with connections to organized crime, online sportsbooks, and poker clubs.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — April 11, 2025 — New Jersey 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, following a two-year investigation into a sprawling illegal gambling enterprise in North Jersey.

The investigation culminated on April 9, with the execution of search warrants at 12 locations, including four poker clubs in Totowa, Garfield, and Woodland Park—some concealed behind operating restaurants—as well as a Paterson business used to store gambling machines and several private residences.

Among the individuals charged is Anand Shah, 42, a councilman in Prospect Park, who allegedly managed poker games and an online sportsbook in coordination with the Lucchese network.

“Romanticized versions of organized crime have been the subject of countless movies and television shows, often set right here in the Garden State,” said Attorney General Platkin. “But the reality isn’t romantic or cinematic. It’s about breaking the laws the rest of us follow and, ultimately, it’s about money, control, and the threat of violence. My office is bringing every resource available to crack down on violent criminals – including organized crime – and will root it out in all of its forms. And that is exactly what we have done.”

The defendants face a combination of racketeering (1st degree), conspiracy to promote gambling, money laundering (2nd degree), and other offenses. Certain individuals are also charged with criminal usury, gambling offenses, and first-degree money laundering.

Authorities estimate the operation generated over $3 million in criminal proceeds, with earnings laundered through shell corporations and legitimate businesses. The criminal network allegedly operated both in-person poker clubs and foreign-based online sportsbooks, employing a hierarchical structure reminiscent of traditional organized crime.

High-ranking members of the Lucchese Crime Family charged in the case include:

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 prosecutors, the enterprise assigned "agents" and "sub-agents" to manage bettors within packages, handle payments, and relay a share of profits to senior leadership. Poker clubs collected rent from game hosts and employed staff, including dealers—some of whom worked off gambling debts.

“In the complaint we’re announcing today, we allege that members and associates of the Lucchese Crime Family operated illegal card games and sports betting books in northern New Jersey,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “This can lead to other criminal activity, such as money laundering and theft. Two of the defendants are charged with stealing from local retailers in addition to their roles in the gambling operation. These are not so-called ‘victimless’ crimes, and we take seriously our responsibility to root out these illegal enterprises.”

Retail Theft and Money Laundering

In a separate but related component of the investigation, Ali Radwan, 53, of Woodland Park, and Frank Gallipoli III, 57, of Totowa, were charged with third-degree theft by unlawful taking for allegedly shoplifting over $22,000 in merchandise from Home Depot. Authorities claim the stolen goods were used to renovate real estate “flip” properties, potentially laundering criminal proceeds.

Gallipoli is also identified as a poker-club manager, deepening his alleged ties to the broader gambling operation.

All 39 defendants made initial court appearances on April 10 in Morris County Superior Court. The range of charges carries potential penalties from 18 months to 20 years in state prison and fines up to $200,000, depending on the offense’s severity.

The investigation was led by the New Jersey State Police, with assistance from the FBI (Newark and New York), U.S. Marshals, Federal Probation, and the Department of Corrections Special Operations Group. Prosecution is being handled by Deputy Attorneys General Heather Hausleben and William Cooper-Daub, under Assistant Attorney General Erik Daab.

Officials emphasize that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Attorney General’s Office reminded the public that illegal gambling operations pose serious risks, both financially and legally. Residents struggling with gambling addiction are urged to seek help by calling 1-800-GAMBLER. Information about legal gaming platforms is available through the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.

The full list of defendants and their alleged roles is included in the official release.