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OpenAI Engineer, Charged With Planting Bug, Advised Saudis

The fired employee had told people he advised government agencies in Saudi Arabia and was listed as a partner at a venture firm with a Saudi prince; the charge is alleged.

On air: Gloria Vance and Vera Bullock on Late Night BBN
Published 10:38 PM ET, Wednesday, October 14, 2026

At a glance

First reported by The New York Times: “OpenAI Engineer, Who Is Charged With Planting Bug, Advised Saudis”.
Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 10:38 PM ET on Late Night BBN, by Gloria Vance and Vera Bullock.
Topics: Saudis, OpenAI.
BBN covered this story before: Reiner trust paid $348,000 for Nick Reiner's defense; Saudis strike… (October 14).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The New York TimesOpenAI Engineer, Who Is Charged With Planting Bug, Advised Saudis

What BBN said about it

Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe New York Times reports that an OpenAI engineer, now fired, is charged with planting a bug, and that he said he advised government agencies in Saudi Arabia.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorHe was also listed as a partner at a venture firm with a Saudi prince, meaning this engineer had quite the business card.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorA partner at a firm with a prince? That is a man who understands networking, and I say we celebrate the hustle.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorHe is charged with planting a bug, Vera.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorAnd he somehow juggled all this while working at OpenAI. That's commitment to the grind.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorNobody has listened to the podcast, and the fired engineer at least had an audience of princes.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorHe has pleaded to nothing in these reports, so the word is alleged.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorOuch.