UAE officer accused of human trafficking in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A United Arab Emirates military officer who was attending the U.S. Naval War College has been charged in Rhode Island with human trafficking.

Arif Al Ali was charged today in U.S. District Court in Providence. He pleaded not guilty and was released on personal recognizance.

Prosecutors say he brought a “servant” with him when he began attending the college, which serves both the U.S. military and international military services.

They say the woman is from the Philippines and that he took away her passport and did not allow her to leave his home without an escort. Prosecutors told the judge she escaped and is now in hiding.

A spokeswoman for the college did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.