FBI reviews espionage case for OpenAI engineer arrested in Florida

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is determining whether to file economic espionage charges against Abdulrahman Alfozan, a former OpenAI engineer who was detained earlier this month. Law enforcement officials are currently evaluating if the 35 year old Saudi national and U.S. permanent resident acquired confidential data for the Saudi government. This inquiry proceeds alongside his existing federal charge of unlawfully intercepting communications, a crime punishable by up to five years in prison.

Alfozan allegedly hid a small circuit board and microphone behind a television in a conference room used primarily by OpenAI executives. Prosecutors indicate that investigators are also considering charges for trade secret theft, though the case may not lead to further prosecution. OpenAI is reviewing what information the device captured to decide if the incident constitutes corporate espionage or state sponsored intelligence gathering.

Federal prosecutors say Alfozan exchanged frequent WhatsApp messages with an unidentified member of the Saudi royal family during 2025 and 2026. The royal family member attempted to recruit him for a Saudi artificial intelligence initiative, writing that Saudi needs you more than the US. Alfozan replied with 100 but stated he intended to stay at OpenAI until his company shares vested. Prosecutors noted that their last known exchange occurred on October 5, the same day Alfozan allegedly returned to the conference room to retrieve the device.

OpenAI security staff had already located and removed the recording device before Alfozan arrived. They subsequently notified the FBI of the discovery. Alfozan's next court appearance is scheduled for November 6. His attorney, William Pernik, said his client had not received any indication that additional charges were being considered.

We made it very clear that Mr. Alfozan will fight these charges and allegations in court, not in the press, Pernik said. Prosecutors also disclosed that Alfozan purchased one way tickets to Saudi Arabia via Istanbul for himself, his wife, and their three month old son. He was arrested three days before their planned departure. His wife and son later traveled to Qatar on business class tickets purchased by a Saudi military official.

Defense attorneys stated that the official was the wife's brother in law and that no military funds were used. They also noted that Alfozan frequently booked one way flights. During a detention hearing on October 19, U.S. Magistrate Judge Alex G. Tse questioned a letter from the Saudi Consulate in Los Angeles offering to cover the entire bail bond. I find that problematic. Seems like a blank check. We're gonna pay whatever the court wants to make sure he gets out, Tse said. Alfozan was denied bail after the judge determined he posed a significant flight risk.