Ex-OpenAI engineer accused of hiding listening device behind TV denied release

SAN FRANCISCO — A former OpenAI engineer accused of hiding a recording device behind a television in an executive conference room will remain in federal custody after a judge rejected his proposed release amid concerns about his ties to Saudi Arabia.

Abdulrahman Alfozan, 35, faces a federal charge of illegally intercepting or attempting to intercept spoken communications. U.S. Magistrate Judge Alex Tse denied his release Monday despite a defense offer to secure a bond with approximately $1 million in assets.

Prosecutors allege the Saudi national maintained contact with an unnamed Saudi royal who was recruiting him for an artificial intelligence venture. They also cited assistance with his family’s travel as evidence he could receive support abroad. His lawyer emphasized his long residence in the United States and approaching citizenship interview.

The investigation began when OpenAI employees discovered a recording device Sept. 30 plugged into a USB port behind a conference room television, according to the Justice Department. Investigators say it was concealed in toilet paper and contained encrypted data.

The room hosted discussions about proprietary research, product development, government engagements and other confidential matters, authorities said.

Investigators allege Alfozan had used company tools to research meeting locations and executive schedules. A chatbot account associated with his spouse, sharing identifiers with his own account, also submitted questions about configuring, concealing and remotely accessing recording equipment, according to the criminal complaint.

Authorities say surveillance footage later showed Alfozan looking behind the television. Security personnel also allegedly found a similar recording device in a bag containing his identification. He was arrested Oct. 9.

Defense attorney William Pernik disputed suggestions that Alfozan was spying for Saudi Arabia. He said electronics found at his client’s home were connected to personal projects, including work on a smart cat litter box.

Authorities have not publicly established what the conference room device recorded or identified an intended recipient of any recordings.

OpenAI fired Alfozan and said it had found no indication that he took its AI model weights, source code or customer information.

If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The allegations have not been proven in court.