California:Federal prosecutors are seeking to detain Abdulrahman Alfozan, a former OpenAI engineer, without bail after accusing him of placing a listening device in an executive boardroom. The prosecutors allege Alfozan maintained connections with Saudi Arabia.

According to Anadolu Agency, the government claims that Alfozan, a 35-year-old Saudi national and lawful permanent resident of the US, had substantial support from a foreign government that does not have an extradition treaty with Washington. Court documents suggest Alfozan exchanged messages in 2025 and 2026 with a member of the Saudi royal family, who recruited him for a national AI project, emphasizing the kingdom's need for his skills.

Prosecutors argue that Alfozan's actions, whether for personal gain or to assist a foreign country, pose a threat to Silicon Valley's innovation and US national security. Following his arrest on October 9, the Saudi government reportedly arranged a one-way flight for his family, which was later canceled. Subsequently, a member of the Saudi military secured business-class tickets for them to travel to Doha, Qatar, within 36 hours of the arrest.

Saudi authorities have not yet responded to the US Justice Department's allegations. Meanwhile, US Magistrate Judge Alex G. Tse has denied bail, ordering Alfozan to remain in custody until his trial.