Anand Shah, an Indian-origin politician in the U.S., is making headlines for the wrong reasons. He is a council member in Prospect Park, New Jersey, and was recently arrested for being part of a $3 million illegal gambling ring.

According to U.S. authorities, Shah helped run secret gambling dens inside working restaurants. He is also accused of working with the Lucchese crime family, a well-known Italian-American mafia group. Along with 38 others, he faces serious charges like gambling, money laundering, and racketeering.

Officials say Shah not only ran physical gambling spots but also operated an online betting website. Police searched 12 locations and found poker rooms with slot machines and gambling tables in cities like Paterson and Totowa.

Shah is in his 40s and also owns businesses in the area. As a councilman, he was part of finance and economic development committees. Now, he could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.

Authorities say illegal businesses like these are dangerous and only care about money, not the safety of the community.