Court filing links ex-OpenAI worker accused of planting bug to Saudi government

A Saudi national facing charges over allegedly hiding a recording device in an OpenAI meeting room is said to have received substantial backing from the Saudi government, according to a court filing in California.

US prosecutors stated that Abdulrahman Alfozan, who had been employed by the artificial intelligence company, was in regular contact with a member of the Saudi royal family. They also said a member of the Saudi military covered the cost of a one-way flight to Saudi Arabia for Alfozan's wife and son following his arrest.

The 35-year-old engineer appeared in court on Monday, where he was ruled a flight risk and refused bail ahead of his trial.

The Saudi government has not responded to a request for comment from the BBC.

Alfozan had been with OpenAI for roughly a year before the alleged incident. The company found the recording device on 30 September, discovering it plugged into the rear of a television in a conference room and concealed with toilet paper.

A camera was subsequently installed in the room, and on 5 October, footage reportedly showed Alfozan entering and appearing to check behind the television where the device had been placed.

He was arrested by the FBI on 9 October, and OpenAI terminated his employment contract.