OpenAI engineer faces custody over alleged espionage charges

A former OpenAI engineer, Abdulrahman Alfozan, has been ordered to remain in custody while awaiting trial over allegations of bugging a company conference room. Federal Judge Alex Tse ruled on Monday, citing concerns about his ties to Saudi Arabia and the potential for him to flee. Prosecutors argued that the Saudi government could support his release without conditions, but the judge expressed skepticism about relying on government-backed bail. Alfozan’s attorney, William Pernik, dismissed the flight risk concerns as baseless, but the judge emphasized the threat of his potential departure once the case concludes. Alfozan, a US permanent resident, is accused of using a covert audio device to intercept communications during a confidential meeting. The device was discovered in late September, and he was fired earlier this month before his arrest. Authorities allege he had frequent WhatsApp communications with a Saudi royal family member and agreed to return to Saudi Arabia for an AI initiative. His wife was allegedly provided a ticket to return to Saudi Arabia, though she left earlier on a flight booked by her sister’s husband, who works for the Saudi navy. Alfozan’s next court date is scheduled for November 6.