US prosecutors charged Abdulrahman Alfozan with secretly installing a recording device in a meeting room at OpenAI. Alfozan worked for the artificial intelligence company for approximately one year before his contract was terminated.
OpenAI discovered the hidden device on 30 September. Security footage from 5 October showed Alfozan entering the room and appearing to look behind a television.
The FBI arrested Alfozan on 9 October. US prosecutors allege Alfozan received "considerable support" from the Saudi government and maintained frequent communication with a member of the Saudi royal family.
A Saudi military official paid for a one-way business class ticket for Alfozan's wife and son to travel from San Francisco to Doha, Qatar, on 10 October. A court filing stated that Alfozan's conduct could pose "a danger to the national security of the United States".
Alfozan faces a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine of $250,000. Prosecutors stated, "Ultimately, the defendant has little incentive to remain in the United States to see this case through."
