The star witness in a sting operation that brought down five rabbis and about two dozen public officials has admitted using his father’s yeshivah to launder money and bribe officials.

Government informant Solomon Dwek, 37, told a court that he funnelled cash through the Deal Yeshivah, in New Jersey, between 1999-2006. He also admitted rigging its annual auction to ensure politicians won lavish prizes.

Dwek became an FBI informant to escape a prison sentence for fraud. His work led to the arrest of 44 people in July. Among those yet to stand trial are Rabbi Saul Kassin, accused of laundering $200,000, and Levy Yitzchok Rosenbaum, charged with organ trafficking.

Dwek spent the past week testifying at the first corruption trial, of Jersey City Deputy Mayor Leona Beldin, who is accused of accepting $20,000 in bribes from Dwek.