Prosecutors say ex-OpenAI employee accused of planting recording device received 'what appears to be considerable support' from the Saudi government

Prosecutors allege that Abdulrahman Alfozan, a former OpenAI engineer of Saudi nationality, planted a recording device in a conference room at OpenAI to eavesdrop on sensitive discussions. Federal investigators claim that Alfozan received support from the Saudi government, communicating regularly with a member of the Saudi Royal Family via WhatsApp over the past two years.

In a statement to Alfozan, the unnamed Saudi official reportedly said, "Saudi needs you more than the US!" to which Alfozan reportedly replied, "100." Alfozan was arrested on October 9, having been spotted on security footage near the conference room shortly before the device was discovered. Prosecutors allege that Alfozan's actions pose a threat to US national security.

Additional details emerged of Saudi government assistance, including an unnamed member of the Saudi military booking a flight for Alfozan's family on October 11, despite an existing reservation. Alfozan's attorney argues that he does not pose a flight risk and suggests that if he intended to flee, he would have done so upon learning of OpenAI's discovery of the recording device. A hearing to determine whether Alfozan should remain in custody is scheduled for the same day.