Saudi Princess Accused Of Human Trafficking

Meshael Alayban is charged with human trafficking after a Kenyan woman escapes and alleges she was held against her will.

Meshael Alayban flew to California from Saudi Arabia in May

A Saudi princess is facing up to 12 years in prison in California after being accused of holding a servant against her will.

Meshael Alayban, 42, has been charged with one count of human trafficking at her home in Gramercy, Irvine, around 40 miles from Los Angeles.

Her alleged victim, a 30-year-old woman from Kenya, previously worked for the Alayban family in Saudi Arabia, where she claimed she was forced to work excessive hours and paid only a fraction of the salary she was promised.

She said that while in Saudi Arabia, Alayban took her passport and refused to return it when she complained about working conditions and asked to leave.

The woman travelled with the family to California but fled Alayban's apartment and flagged down a passing bus.

Alayban has an apartment on this development in Irvine, California

She was carrying a Department of State leaflet, given to her at the American Embassy in Saudi Arabia where she was issued with a travel visa, describing her rights and warning about the dangers of human trafficking.
A passenger on the bus saw the woman was in distress and called the police.

Detectives who searched Alayban's home found four other women, all from the Philippines, who also claim to have had their documents taken.

They are believed to be stored in a safe deposit box at a local bank.

A spokesman for Irvine Police Department said all five women are in good health.
There are no signs of any physical abuse and authorities are helping them find alternative accommodation.
Alayban is being held in Orange County Jail in lieu of a $1m (£660,000) bail.