Alberto Vilar, the swindler who stole some $40 million from investors, in part to help fund his opera-related philanthropy, should be sent to prison for 22 years, Manhattan federal prosecutors said.

In sentencing papers filed Friday, the feds said the crimes of Vilar, a former Metropolitan Opera benefactor, and his partner Gary Tanaka — who were convicted last year of ripping off clients including the mom of actress Phoebe Cates — warranted the stiff sentence.