Saudi National Charged with Planting Recording Device in OpenAI Office

A Saudi national has been charged with secretly planting a recording device in one of OpenAI's offices in California, according to federal prosecutors. Abdulrahman Alfozan, who worked as an engineer at OpenAI, faces federal charges for using or attempting to use an electronic device to intercept oral communications. OpenAI reported that it discovered a 'sophisticated recording device' hidden in its San Francisco office and alerted the FBI. The device, wrapped in toilet paper, was found inserted in a USB port on the back of a TV in an executive conference room. OpenAI stated that there is no indication that source code, model weights, or customer data were accessed or taken during the incident, and the employee has since been terminated. FBI Director Kash Patel noted that Alfozan allegedly concealed the recording device to capture sensitive communications about the company's AI product. Alfozan has been employed at OpenAI since July 2025. The device was discovered by OpenAI employees on September 30, just two days after it was allegedly installed. Prosecutors indicated that the device was encrypted. The FBI reported that Alfozan used a 'productivity tool' and a 'chatbot' to research sensitive locations at OpenAI and how to secretly place audio equipment. Alleged chatbot prompts included inquiries about building and customizing audio recording devices. On October 5, prosecutors claim Alfozan returned to inspect the device, and CCTV footage linked him to the scene. That same day, he left a bag unattended in another part of the building, which contained his wallet, ID, and another similar recording device. Alfozan appeared in court on Tuesday, and it is unclear if he has legal representation. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.