Judge keeps former OpenAI engineer in custody in spying case
The bail ruling keeps Abdulrahman Alfozan detained as prosecutors build a case that has drawn in alleged Saudi-linked contacts and support.
A federal judge in San Francisco refused to release former OpenAI engineer Abdulrahman Alfozan while prosecutors pursue charges that he hid a recording device in an OpenAI meeting room. Court filings say the FBI found an iPhone folder labeled “Saudi Gov Docs” and alleges he had frequent contact with a Saudi royal family member, while a Saudi military official paid for travel for his wife and son after his arrest. The government says the device was discovered on 30 September, Alfozan was filmed near the television where it had been placed on 5 October, and he was arrested on 9 October. OpenAI terminated his contract after the arrest, and prosecutors say he faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
Why it matters
The case now moves forward with Alfozan held in custody, which raises the stakes around the allegations rather than letting them play out while free. For OpenAI, the contract ended the day of his arrest, and the prosecution says the charges could lead to prison and a fine if he is convicted.
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Sources
- Ars Technica
- BBC Technology