# Ex-OpenAI engineer accused of planting spy device for Saudi Arabia

> Prosecutors say Abdulrahman Alfozan received substantial support from the Saudi government while allegedly recording sensitive meetings at OpenAI.
- Title: Ex-OpenAI engineer accused of planting spy device for Saudi…
- Summary: Prosecutors say Abdulrahman Alfozan received substantial support from the Saudi government while allegedly recording sensitive meetings at OpenAI. Federal…
- Keywords: abdulrahman alfozan, openai, saudi arabia, recording device, espionage, national security, fbi arrest, business, technology, Ex-OpenAI, engineer, accused
- Source: Business Insider — https://businessinsider.com/saudi-government-support-openai-abdulrahman-alfozan-recording-device-2026-10
- Author: Brent D. Griffiths
- Published: 2026-10-19T20:13:38.093+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: abdulrahman alfozan, openai, saudi arabia, recording device, espionage, national security, fbi arrest, business, technology
## Engineer arrested for planting recording device
The FBI arrested Abdulrahman Alfozan, a Saudi national and former OpenAI engineer, on October 9.
## Prosecutors claim Saudi government support
Federal prosecutors say Alfozan received what appears to be considerable support from the Saudi government. They disclosed this in a motion to keep him in custody pending trial.
## WhatsApp messages with Saudi Royal Family
Alfozan had been in contact as recently as October 5 with an unnamed member of the Saudi Royal Family, whom he frequently communicated with on WhatsApp over the last two years, prosecutors said.

> Saudi needs you more then the US!
## Evidence of surveillance planning
Alfozan's iPhone contained photos of input and output panels on televisions and other electronic devices in various OpenAI buildings, including another conference room where sensitive meetings frequently occurred.
## Notes about Saudi tasks and device retrieval
A note modified as recently as September 13 listed Riyadh tasks including finding an apartment and job for his wife and obtaining an ID and Saudi passport for his son.
## Family departure and flight booking
Alfozan's wife and son left the US without him and are now in Saudi Arabia.An unnamed member of the Saudi military booked a flight for them on October 11, paid for by the Saudi government.
## Judge orders Alfozan held pending trial
US Magistrate Judge Alex G.Tse ruled on Monday that Alfozan should remain in custody pending trial.
## Key takeaway

Federal prosecutors say a former OpenAI engineer arrested for planting a recording device received considerable support from the Saudi government, citing WhatsApp messages and flight bookings as evidence.