Former OpenAI Engineer Faces Potential Espionage Charges Over Hidden Microphone

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is evaluating economic espionage charges against Abdulrahman Alfozan, a former engineer at OpenAI who was detained in October for allegedly planting a hidden microphone in a restricted conference room. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, investigators are determining if Alfozan secured confidential data for the Saudi government, a move that can be prosecuted even if the suspect was never formally recruited.

Alfozan, a 35-year-old Saudi national and U.S. permanent resident, is currently charged with unlawfully intercepting communications. The offense carries a maximum prison sentence of five years. Prosecutors are also reviewing potential charges for theft of trade secrets, though the investigation may not lead to further prosecution.

The case began when OpenAI security staff discovered a small circuit board and microphone concealed behind a television in a room primarily used by executives. The device was removed and the FBI was notified. Alfozan’s next court appearance is set for November 6.

Prosecutors say Alfozan exchanged frequent WhatsApp messages in 2025 and 2026 with an unidentified member of the Saudi royal family. That individual allegedly sought to recruit him for a Saudi artificial intelligence initiative, writing, “Saudi needs you more then [sic] the US!” Alfozan replied, “100,” but indicated he would remain at OpenAI until his company shares vested. Their last known exchange occurred on October 5, the day Alfozan allegedly returned to the conference room to retrieve the device.

Concerns about flight risk emerged after Alfozan purchased one-way tickets to Saudi Arabia via Istanbul for himself, his wife, and their three-month-old son. He was arrested three days before the planned departure. His wife and son later traveled to Qatar on business-class tickets bought by a Saudi military official. Defense attorneys state the official is the wife’s brother-in-law and that no military funds were used.

During an October 19 detention hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Alex G. Tse questioned a letter from the Saudi Consulate in Los Angeles offering to cover Alfozan’s entire bail bond. “Even if I set it at $10 million?” the judge asked. “I find that problematic. Seems like a blank check. ‘We’re gonna pay whatever the court wants to make sure he gets out.’” Alfozan was denied bail due to flight risk.

Alfozan’s attorney, William Pernik, said he had no indication of additional charges. “We made it very clear that Mr. Alfozan will fight these charges and allegations in court, not in the press,” Pernik said. OpenAI is currently examining what information the device captured to determine if the incident was corporate espionage or state-sponsored intelligence gathering.