FBI reviews ex-OpenAI engineer's case for espionage

The FBI is reviewing whether to charge a former OpenAI engineer with economic espionage after he was found to have planted a recording device in a restricted conference room. The engineer, Abdulrahman Alfozan, was arrested earlier this month for allegedly hiding a small circuit board and microphone behind a television in the conference room. He now faces a federal charge of unlawfully intercepting communications, which carries a maximum five-year prison sentence.

Investigators are examining whether Alfozan obtained confidential information to offer to the Saudi government, even without being recruited to do so, according to a law enforcement official. Authorities are also considering potential trade secret theft charges, although the investigation may not result in additional prosecution.

Alfozan, 35, a Saudi national and US permanent resident, was scheduled to appear in court on November 6. His attorney said he had received no indication that additional charges were being considered.

Prosecutors say Alfozan exchanged frequent WhatsApp messages with an unidentified member of the Saudi royal family in 2025 and 2026. The royal family member allegedly sought to recruit him for a Saudi artificial intelligence initiative, writing, ‘Saudi needs you more then [sic] the US!’

Alfozan reportedly responded, ‘100,’ but indicated he intended to remain at OpenAI until his company shares had vested. Prosecutors said their last known exchange occurred on October 5, the same day Alfozan allegedly returned to the conference room to retrieve the recording device. OpenAI security personnel had already discovered and removed it, subsequently notifying the FBI.