OpenAI worker accused of planting device had Saudi support, court filing says

Alleged recording device at OpenAI

The 35-year-old engineer, identified as Alfozan, is charged with secretly trying to place an audio recorder in an OpenAI meeting room. He had worked at the company for around a year before the alleged attempt.

A camera recorded him entering the room on 5 October. The filing says he appeared to look behind a television, where the recorder had been inserted.

Prosecutors cite Saudi ties

Prosecutors said in a court filing that Alfozan had “considerable support” from the Saudi government. They argued this support meant he was a flight risk and should remain detained while awaiting trial.

The filing says Alfozan’s wife told FBI agents that her US visa was expiring and she and their son were permanently moving back to Saudi Arabia. She reportedly said her husband planned to return as well.

National security concerns raised

Prosecutors also said the alleged conduct could endanger US national security. Their concern was that OpenAI executives met government officials in the room during the period when the device was believed to have been installed.

Alfozan is scheduled to appear in federal court in San Francisco later on Monday. The filing gives no outcome of that planned appearance.

Possible penalty if convicted

If convicted, Alfozan faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The filing also gives the fine’s equivalent as £188,000. The charges remain allegations. The article does not report a verdict or a final decision on whether he will be detained before trial.