RismadarVoice Reporters
October 20, 2026
A United States federal judge has denied bail to Abdulrahman Alfozan, a 35-year-old former OpenAI employee accused of secretly placing a recording device inside the artificial intelligence company’s offices in San Francisco.
US District Judge Alex Tse reportedly rejected the bail application on Monday, October 19, citing concerns that Alfozan could leave the United States before his trial.
Alfozan, who was arrested on October 9, faces a federal charge involving the alleged unlawful interception of oral communications. He could receive a prison sentence of up to five years if convicted.
Prosecutors argued that the defendant posed a significant flight risk, pointing to his reported purchase of a one-way ticket to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, scheduled for October 12.
They also alleged that he maintained regular communication with an unidentified member of the Saudi royal family who had encouraged him to participate in an artificial intelligence initiative in Saudi Arabia.
According to court filings described in the proceedings, investigators discovered messages suggesting that the individual had attempted to persuade Alfozan to pursue opportunities in the kingdom.
Prosecutors further raised concerns about the departure of Alfozan’s wife and infant child from the United States shortly after his arrest.
They argued that the absence of a US-Saudi extradition treaty could complicate efforts to secure his return if he travelled abroad.
However, Alfozan’s lawyer, William Pernik, disputed the prosecution’s arguments, insisting that his client intended to remain in the United States.
The defence reportedly offered assets worth $1 million as security for bail and cited Alfozan’s scheduled US citizenship interview as evidence of his intention to remain in the country.
The allegations centre on a USB recording device allegedly concealed behind a television in a restricted conference room at OpenAI’s San Francisco premises.
Prosecutors said security footage showed Alfozan entering the room and appearing to inspect the area where the device was reportedly hidden.
The investigation has also raised questions about the protection of commercially sensitive information amid growing international competition in artificial intelligence development.
Although prosecutors have raised potential national security concerns, Alfozan has not been formally charged with espionage.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have indicated that additional charges could emerge.
The court’s refusal to grant bail does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Alfozan’s next hearing is reportedly scheduled for November 6, while he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence throughout the proceedings.
