(AP) - The central figure in New Jersey's largest corruption probe pleaded guilty to federal bank fraud and money laundering charges Tuesday.

Authorities used Solomon Dwek as a cooperating witness after he was accused in 2006 of cheating PNC Bank out of about $22 million.

Prosecutors said the son of a prominent Monmouth County rabbi deposited two $25 million checks that were drawn on a closed account, then withdrew nearly half the money.

As a witness, Dwek posed as a failed businessman looking to launder money through his contacts in Syrian Jewish enclaves and claimed to be a developer seeking to exchange cash for favors in Hudson County.

The massive corruption probe snared 45 people, including public officials and several rabbis. Six others charged in the case have pleaded guilty.