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 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 their San Francisco office and subsequently alerted the FBI. The device, wrapped in toilet paper, was found inserted in a USB port on the back of a television 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 fired. FBI Director Kash Patel noted that Alfozan allegedly concealed the recording device to capture sensitive communications regarding the company's AI product. Alfozan had been employed at OpenAI since July 2025. The device was discovered on September 30, two days after it was reportedly installed. Prosecutors indicated that the device was encrypted. OpenAI utilized its AI models to trace the device back to the specific employee. According to the FBI, Alfozan used a 'productivity tool' and a 'chatbot' to research how to place audio equipment in sensitive locations within OpenAI. Alleged chatbot prompts included inquiries about building and customizing audio recording devices. On October 5, prosecutors claim he returned to inspect the device, and CCTV footage linked him to the scene. That same day, Alfozan 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 remains unclear if he has legal representation. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.