Federal prosecutors have charged Abdulrahman Alfozan, a former OpenAI engineer, with installing a listening device in an executive conference room. He allegedly had ties to a Saudi royal family member and planned to leave the U.S. for Riyadh at the time of his arrest.
Alfozan is accused of using artificial intelligence tools to create encrypted recording devices and locate meeting rooms used by OpenAI executives and government officials. Earning $385,000 annually and receiving a $2.2 million equity grant, his time at OpenAI has drawn intense scrutiny due to these allegations.
The prosecutors’ 11-page report suggests Alfozan might have intended to install additional devices throughout OpenAI’s facilities.
Messages from WhatsApp reveal his communication with an unidentified Saudi royal, who urged him to return to Saudi Arabia and join a local AI initiative. The filing also contains photos of potential surveillance spots and notes indicating a plan to retrieve installed devices before leaving the company.
On September 28, Alfozan allegedly connected a “surreptitious audio recording device” to a TV USB port in OpenAI’s executive conference room. Investigations showed this device was modified to prevent data transfer to the TV and had encrypted content on a microSD card.
In the lead-up to installing the device, it is claimed that Alfozan used a chatbot under his wife’s name to research customization of recording devices. Queries included building continuous audio recorders, capturing and compressing microphone audio, improving audio quality, and encrypting data.
Prosecutors emphasize that meetings in this room often involve sensitive technical, commercial, and strategic discussions. These conversations may include proprietary research and nonpublic insights about OpenAI’s strategies and partnerships, posing a national security risk.
Investigators found Alfozan’s cellphone held images of hidden recorders and electronic gear in other company meeting rooms.
Between 2025 and 2026, Alfozan maintained frequent communication with a member of the Saudi Royal Family urging him to join a Saudi AI initiative. The royal stated, “Saudi needs you more than the US!” Alfozan expressed commitment to move but intended to wait for his stock options to vest.
Alfozan was detained on October 9, three days before his planned departure to Riyadh with his family. His wife and son, however, traveled the next day on tickets purchased by a Saudi military official.
Alfozan, who has no prior criminal record, became a U.S. permanent resident in September 2020 and has applied for citizenship. OpenAI terminated his employment following his arrest.
At the detention hearing, Judge Alex Tse rejected Alfozan’s plea for home confinement. The prosecutors cited concerns over his wealth and international connections as potential flight risks. Alfozan’s next court appearance is scheduled for the coming month.