OpenAI Engineer Accused of Planting Recording Device Had Contact With Saudi Royal Family

An OpenAI engineer who was arrested earlier this month had regular contact with a member of the Saudi royal family, according to a new document filed in federal court.

The engineer is accused of putting a recording device inside a conference room at OpenAI that was used by company leaders.

According to the report, company leaders and U.S. government officials also used the room for a meeting.

It is still unclear whether the engineer was allegedly working for a foreign party or trying to make money for himself.

The Department of Justice says the alleged actions were illegal, no matter what the reason was.

The accusations are part of an ongoing federal court case. The claims in the court filing do not, on their own, prove that the engineer was working as a spy or that the Saudi royal family took part in any alleged wrongdoing.

By: NBC Palm Springs

October 20, 2026

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