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OpenAI Engineer Accused of Installing Spy Device After Saudi Royal Contact
By Drooid · · How we work
Alleged Installation of Recording Device
U.S. prosecutors allege that Abdulrahman Alfozan, a 35-year-old Saudi national who was an engineer at OpenAI, placed a covert audio-recording device inside a USB port on the back of a television in an executive conference room. The filing states the device was installed on or about September 28, 2026, roughly two weeks before Alfozan and his family were scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia. The device remained in place for several days while OpenAI executives discussed highly confidential technical and strategic matters.
Saudi Royal Communications and Family Travel
According to the filing, Alfozan maintained frequent WhatsApp communications with an unnamed member of the Saudi royal family throughout 2025 and 2026. In early October, a member of the Saudi military arranged business-class flights for Alfozan’s wife, Lujain Alassaf, and their three-month-old son to depart the United States, departing a day after Alfozan’s arrest.
Legal Actions and Detention Request
Alfozan was arrested on a charge of using or endeavoring to use an electronic device to intercept oral communications. Prosecutors have asked a San Francisco federal judge to detain him without bail, citing his “ample resources,” lack of an extradition treaty with Saudi Arabia, and the risk that he could flee and rebuild a life abroad. FBI Director Kash Patel said Alfozan concealed the device to capture sensitive discussions about OpenAI’s AI technology. Alfozan’s attorney, William Pernik, has sought release on home detention with GPS monitoring and a bond supported by the Saudi consulate.
Employment and Financial Profile
The filing notes Alfozan spent about 15 years in the United States, previously working at Meta and earning a master’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 2025. He joined OpenAI in July 2025 with a base salary of $325,000, later increased to $385,000, and received a new-hire equity grant valued at $2.2 million in profit-participating units. He had planned two months of parental leave following the birth of his son.
National-Security Concerns
Prosecutors argue that Alfozan’s conduct could jeopardize U.S. national security, given the proximity of the recording device to discussions involving proprietary research, government engagements, and commercial relationships. The case underscores heightened scrutiny of foreign influence within U.S. technology firms and the challenges of securing sensitive information in an increasingly globalized talent pool.