Dhaka, Feb. 21 -- Five people, including three officials from the Italian Embassy in Dhaka, have been arrested by Rome's finance police on bribery and visa trafficking charges.

Among those arrested are two Bangladeshis, one of whom -- Nazrul Islam -- is believed to be the mastermind behind the syndicate, according to local authorities.

Nazrul, a resident of Rome, has been associated with the Italian chapter of the Awami League, where he reportedly served as vice president for an extended period. He also claimed to be a director at NRB Bank.

The court has ordered that the three embassy officials be placed under house arrest, while Nazrul and one other individual have been sent to jail.

The arrests occurred on Tuesday following a court ...