Federal prosecutors have accused a former OpenAI engineer of planting listening devices inside the company’s offices. The engineer, identified as Abdulrahman Alfozan, allegedly communicated with Saudi royalty and searched company records involving Saudi Arabia before his arrest. Prosecutors are investigating whether his actions were meant to benefit a foreign government.
The prosecutors disclosed that Saudi officials arranged international travel for Alfozan’s wife and infant son shortly after his arrest. This raised concerns about potential foreign government assistance if he is released. Alfozan allegedly had contact with a member of the Saudi royal family who was recruiting him for a Saudi AI initiative. However, the filing does not claim that Saudi Arabia directed any surveillance.
Alfozan allegedly spent extensive time researching how to create an encrypted recording device with live-listening features. He is accused of using an internal OpenAI tool to locate executive meeting rooms before placing a customized audio recorder behind a television in one room. The room was used for confidential meetings involving proprietary research and high-level discussions.
Investigators also found an additional recorder in Alfozan’s bag in another room. They discovered similar components at his home, alongside photos of other potential surveillance targets within OpenAI.
Prosecutors say Alfozan showed interest in OpenAI’s interactions with Saudi Arabia. His browsing history revealed access to a folder titled “Saudi Gov Docs” and searches involving the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. He maintained regular contact with a Saudi royal family member, who attempted to recruit him for Saudi AI projects.
At the time of his arrest, Alfozan had booked a one-way flight to Riyadh and was preparing to take parental leave from OpenAI. Alfozan’s wife and son had a one-way flight booked to Saudi Arabia, sponsored by the Saudi government. Following his arrest, they left for Qatar on business-class tickets arranged by a Saudi military official.
Prosecutors argue Alfozan poses a serious flight risk due to potential support from the Saudi government. Alfozan, a legal permanent resident, received a significant salary and equity grant from OpenAI, but was fired post-arrest. He faces charges for using or attempting to use a device to intercept communications. Prosecutors seek to keep him detained, citing flight risk and potential danger.
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