Former OpenAI Engineer Accused of Espionage

An ex-OpenAI engineer is facing serious allegations after installing a sophisticated listening device in an executive conference room. The suspect, Abdulrahman Alfozan, allegedly had connections with a Saudi royal family member and planned to relocate to Riyadh before his arrest. These charges stem from a court document released by federal prosecutors.

Alfozan reportedly used artificial intelligence tools to develop encrypted recording devices. He allegedly targeted meeting rooms used by top executives, government officials, and business partners at OpenAI. Alfozan, a Saudi national, received $385,000 annually along with a $2.2 million equity grant upon joining OpenAI in July 2025.

Prosecutors submitted an 11-page document detailing evidence that suggested Alfozan intended to place additional devices at OpenAI. His communications with an unidentified Saudi royal encouraged his return to Saudi Arabia to join an AI initiative. The court filing included photographs and notes concerned with other potential surveillance locations and meetings between OpenAI and Saudi officials.

Investigators alleged that on September 28, Alfozan embedded a “surreptitious audio recording device” into a USB port on a television in an executive conference room. The device supposedly remained there for several days. Alfozan is accused of modifying the device to block data transfer between it and the TV. Additionally, the device’s microSD content was encrypted.

“Meetings in that executive conference room frequently involve discussions of highly confidential technical, commercial, and strategic information,” federal prosecutors stated. This includes proprietary research and nonpublic information about OpenAI’s strategic plans.

Authorities claim that during the device’s installation, OpenAI executives met with government officials in the same room. They believe the information obtained could jeopardize U.S. national security. Further evidence showed photographs of another concealed recorder and equipment in other meeting rooms.

Throughout 2025 and 2026, Alfozan allegedly exchanged frequent WhatsApp messages with a Saudi royal, as recently as October 5, 2026. The royal encouraged Alfozan to join Saudi’s AI initiative, claiming, “Saudi needs you more than the US!” Alfozan agreed but intended to wait until his stocks vested.

On October 9, authorities arrested Alfozan, three days before he was to fly to Riyadh with his family. His wife and their 3-month-old son departed the next day on tickets purchased by a Saudi military official. Alfozan had planned to start two months of parental leave in October 2026.

The former engineer, with no prior criminal record, became a U.S. permanent resident in 2020 and later applied for citizenship. Following his arrest, OpenAI terminated his employment. During a detention hearing, Judge Alex Tse denied his release to home confinement, citing potential flight risks due to his resources and Saudi connections.

Alfozan remains in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for the following month.