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Tech · October 19, 2026

OpenAI Engineer Accused of Spying on Executives Ordered to Remain in Custody

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A federal judge ordered former OpenAI engineer Abdulrahman Alfozan to remain in custody pending trial for allegedly bugging an executive conference room. Alfozan, a U.S. permanent resident, was arrested in October after OpenAI discovered an encrypted recording device hidden in a meeting room used for confidential government and business discussions. Prosecutors successfully argued that Alfozan is a flight risk, citing his high salary, communications with the Saudi royal family regarding an AI initiative, and evidence that the Saudi government offered to fund his bail and assisted in his family's sudden departure to Riyadh following his arrest. Alfozan's defense argues the electronics found were for personal home projects and that his ties to Saudi Arabia do not equate to espionage or flight intent.

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Reported by multiple outlets

  • Abdulrahman Alfozan is a former OpenAI engineer and U.S. permanent resident.
  • A recording device was found behind a TV in an OpenAI executive conference room.
  • Alfozan was arrested in October and fired from OpenAI.
  • Alfozan was in contact with a member of the Saudi royal family via WhatsApp regarding a Saudi AI initiative.
  • The Saudi government offered to assist with Alfozan's bail and helped his family return to Saudi Arabia.
  • Alfozan faces a charge of using a device to intercept communications.
  • A federal judge ruled Alfozan must remain in custody as a flight risk.

Reported by only some outlets

  • OpenAI discovered the device hidden in a wad of toilet paper.
  • Alfozan allegedly used an AI chatbot to research how to build and encrypt recording devices.
  • A second listening device was allegedly found in a bag Alfozan left unattended at the office.
  • Alfozan had a $385,000 salary and a $2.2 million profit-sharing/equity package.
  • Photos on Alfozan's phone allegedly showed other OpenAI monitors and meeting rooms.
  • The Saudi royal told Alfozan, 'Saudi needs you more than the US!'

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