New Jersey law enforcement is on the move as police and investigators are working to dismantle illegal gambling venues that continue to pop up despite strict enforcement and the risks that such operations carry.
Most recently, a prominent, now former councilman took a guilty plea over his involvement in an illegal gambling ring, from which he benefited by hosting power games and taking a rake, resulting in hundreds of thousands of profit.
In the most recent operation, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office has seized $95,000 in an illegal gambling operation out of a corner store in Paterson. Law enforcement officers began an investigation of Angel’s Rosa Parks Food in June, after they were tipped off about a potential gambling activity at the venue.
A search warrant was executed on August 26, 2026, with police finding evidence that illegal gambling had been taking place at the property. A secret chute was found behind the counter, also tied to the illegal gambling operation.
The owners, Alejandro Munoz-Soriano and Cesar Munoz-Soriano, have been arrested, and both men were charged with promoting gambling as well as possession of gambling records and devices.
The recent case comes on the heels of a similarly massive operation against the sector. After a two-year investigation, 42 people have been indicted – and more may still come. Most recently, a former Councilman, one Anand U Shah of Prospect Park, pleaded guilty and has released his public office.
He has also been barred from holding a public office in the future, and a sentencing is scheduled on December 4, 2026. He now faces up to 10 years behind bars.
In the meantime, the New Jersey store owners have been released, pending a court hearing.