# Ex-OpenAI worker accused of bugging conference room planned to fly to Saudi Arabia

> Former OpenAI engineer charged with secretly recording confidential meetings in U.S. conference room before fleeing to Saudi Arabia.
- Title: Ex-OpenAI worker accused of bugging conference room planned…
- Summary: Former OpenAI engineer charged with secretly recording confidential meetings in U.S. conference room before fleeing to Saudi Arabia. A former OpenAI engineer…
- Keywords: abdurrahman alfozan, openai, saudi arabia, federal prosecutors, conference room, recording device, seattle, federal judge, news, local, Ex-OpenAI, worker
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/business/ex-openai-worker-accused-of-bugging-conference-room-planned-to-fly-to-saudi-arabia-prosecutors-say
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: abdurrahman alfozan, openai, saudi arabia, federal prosecutors, conference room, recording device, seattle, federal judge, news, local
## Ex-OpenAI worker charged
A former OpenAI engineer charged with secretly installing a recording device in a conference room to glean company details.
## Family leaves U.S. after arrest
Alfozan’s wife and young son left the country the day after his arrest, traveling on a one-way ticket booked and paid for by a Saudi military official.
## Fleeing to Saudi Arabia
Prosecutors say Alfozan had ample resources including significant compensation from high-tech employment in the Bay Area and at least two bank accounts in Saudi Arabia.
## Legal battle for release
A federal judge denied Alfozan’s request for home confinement, with his next court date set for November.
## U.S. citizenship plans
Alfozan had a naturalization interview scheduled for next month and has been a lawful permanent resident since 2020.
## Bond and assets
Alfozan’s lawyer said he is willing to put up almost $1 million in a U.S. investment account to cover his bond.
## Saudi royal family connection
Prosecutors say Alfozan was in frequent communication with a member of the Saudi royal family who recruited him for an AI venture.
## Recording device details
Alfozan concealed a sophisticated recording device in toilet paper and plugged it into a TV USB port in an unauthorized conference room.
## Key takeaway

A former OpenAI engineer was arrested after secretly installing a recording device in a conference room to access company information, with plans to travel to Saudi Arabia using funds from his Saudi bank accounts.