A former OpenAI employee accused of secretly installing a recording device in the company's office had been discussing potential job opportunities with a member of Saudi Arabia's royal family, according to US federal prosecutors.
Abdulrahman Alfozan, a 35-year-old Saudi national, was arrested after investigators alleged that he placed a concealed audio recorder in a conference room used by OpenAI executives. Prosecutors have raised concerns that he could leave the United States and avoid trial. A federal judge has ordered him to remain in custody without bail.
According to court filings, Alfozan exchanged frequent WhatsApp messages with an unnamed member of the Saudi royal family throughout 2025 and 2026. The communications reportedly continued until days before his arrest in October.
Prosecutors allege that the royal told Alfozan about a new artificial intelligence initiative being developed in Saudi Arabia and encouraged him to join the project. One message reportedly urged him to choose Saudi Arabia over the United States.
Alfozan allegedly expressed interest but said he did not want to leave OpenAI before his company equity vested. The court filings do not establish whether he met those financial conditions before his employment ended.
Investigators allege that Alfozan installed an audio recording device in a restricted conference room at OpenAI. The room reportedly hosted meetings involving company executives, government officials, and business partners.
According to prosecutors, discussions held there could involve confidential technical research, business plans, and strategic decisions. The device was allegedly concealed behind a television and remained in place for several days before prosecutors discovered it.
Prosecutors have also cited evidence suggesting that Alfozan may have considered placing recording devices in other parts of the office. These claims have raised questions about the security of sensitive information at companies developing advanced AI systems.
Alfozan faces a federal charge for intercepting oral communications. He has not been convicted, and the court must test the allegations.
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Federal prosecutors argued that Alfozan could flee to Saudi Arabia, citing his reported travel plans and international connections. They also cited Saudi officials' help in arranging travel for his family after his arrest.
The judge denied bail, expressing concern that Alfozan might not return to face the charges if released. His legal team disputed the suggestion that his family’s travel plans demonstrated an intention to evade the legal process.