# Judge keeps former OpenAI engineer in custody pending trial

_Published Monday, October 19, 2026 at 4:45 PM EDT · AI, Policy · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![Judge keeps former OpenAI engineer in custody pending trial — Primary](https://media.wired.com/photos/6ad6630343f8fc6e5c00cf7e/191:100/w_1280,c_limit/open-ai-employee-court.jpg)

A federal judge ordered former OpenAI engineer Abdulrahman Alfozan to remain in custody pending trial on a charge of using a device to intercept communications, WIRED reported. Magistrate judge Alex Tse cited concerns that Alfozan could leave the United States, including Saudi government offers to help fund his release.

OpenAI found a concealed recording device in an executive conference room in late September and fired Alfozan before his arrest earlier this month. His attorney disputed the flight-risk argument and said there was no evidence he spied for Saudi Arabia.

Authorities say encryption has left it unclear what, if anything, the device recorded.

## Sources

- [WIRED](https://www.wired.com/story/openai-engineer-accused-of-spying-on-executives-ordered-to-remain-in-custody/)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/KbR1y87zbaI0Eyz6L6ltCz
Published: 2026-10-19T20:45:10.132Z
Story chronology: 2026-10-19T19:49:17.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-10-19T22:55:17.012Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)