A federal judge ordered a former OpenAI engineer accused of hiding a recording device in a company conference room to remain in custody while he awaits trial, citing concerns about his ties to Saudi Arabia.

Prosecutors argued Abdulrahman Alfozan is a flight risk, pointing to the Saudi government's offer to back his release without conditions-including the consulate's willingness to work with a bail bonds firm. Magistrate Judge Alex Tse called that arrangement "problematic," describing it as "a blank check." "I'm more interested in people from his family wanting to put up assets," he said. Defense attorney William Pernik dismissed the flight risk claims, but Tse remained unconvinced: "There is a real threat here that once he leaves the case is over."

Authorities allege Alfozan was in frequent WhatsApp contact with an unidentified member of the Saudi royal family throughout 2025 and 2026, who was reportedly recruiting him to return home for a job on an upcoming AI initiative. Prosecutors also say the Saudi government bought his wife and infant son tickets home days after his arrest. Alfozan's wife has not been accused of wrongdoing.

OpenAI discovered the covert device-hidden in a wad of toilet paper behind a TV in a conference room used for confidential meetings-in late September, connected it to Alfozan, and fired him before the FBI arrested him. He faces five years in prison on one count of intercepting communications; prosecutors say more charges are possible. Evidence includes alleged chatbot conversations about setting up listening devices. Pernik said his client's home electronics were for personal projects, including a smart litter box for the family cat. Alfozan's next court date is November 6.

Source: Wired