An OpenAI engineering lead accused of secretly installing recording devices in a confidential executive conference room had booked a one-way flight to Saudi Arabia with family members before his arrest, according to a newly unsealed court filing.
OpenAI Recording Device Case Raises Flight Risk Concerns
Federal prosecutors said Abdulrahman Alfozan, 35, had booked tickets for Oct. 12 from San Francisco to Saudi Arabia via Istanbul.
In an Oct. 8 filing unsealed Wednesday, prosecutors argued he could flee if he learned of the investigation before his arrest.
Alfozan was arrested Oct. 9 and remains in custody. He faces one federal charge of using or attempting to use a device to intercept oral communications.
If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Prosecutors Detail Alleged Hidden Recording Devices
According to the criminal complaint, OpenAI employees discovered a recording device concealed behind a television in a conference room used for sensitive leadership meetings and technical discussions.
Investigators also allegedly found a second device in a bag containing Alfozan’s wallet and identification. Prosecutors said security footage showed him near the conference room on multiple occasions.
The complaint further alleges that AI chatbot prompts associated with Alfozan and his spouse sought information about recording devices and OpenAI facilities. His spouse has not been charged.
Saudi Venture Capital Ties Draw Scrutiny
Alfozan worked at OpenAI as an engineering lead focused on AI agents and data infrastructure. He was also a venture partner at Saudi Arabian investment firm Raed Ventures, which lists Prince Khalid Bin Bader Al Saud among its venture partners.
The complaint does not allege that Raed Ventures or its other partners knew about the alleged recording.
OpenAI, Defense Respond to Allegations
OpenAI said it had no indication Alfozan improperly accessed or extracted model weights, source code or customer data.
His attorney, William Pernik, said the allegations appeared “wholly out of character” and stressed that Alfozan is “charged with violating a federal recording statute, not stealing trade secrets or working as a foreign agent,” CNBC reported.
The defense said it was awaiting evidence from prosecutors and would investigate the allegations.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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