Add as a preferred source on GoogleSaudi Consulate Offered Any Required Bond, but Judge Kept Alfozan in Custody
Defense lawyers proposed home detention and GPS monitoring. The consulate’s travel-document pledge would have applied only if Alfozan were released.
The Consulate General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offered to cover any bond the court might require for former OpenAI engineer Abdulrahman Alfozan, but U.S. Magistrate Judge Alex G. Tse denied his release Oct. 19, citing a significant risk he would miss future court proceedings.
Tse described the offer as “a blank check.”
Alfozan’s lawyers proposed home detention, GPS monitoring, surrender of his travel documents and a bond backed by supporters in the Bay Area. The consulate also pledged it would not issue him travel documents if he were released. Those conditions did not take effect after the judge denied release.
The case involves one charge tied to an alleged concealed recorder in an OpenAI conference room. The ruling follows an earlier detention order in the recorder case. If convicted, Alfozan faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. His next court date is Nov. 6.
Riza Dagoc
Riza Dagoc reports on regulation, investing and the digital-asset business for TokenPost. Send corrections or tips to info@tokenpost.com.