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, was charged with using or attempting to use an electronic device to intercept oral communications. OpenAI reported discovering a 'sophisticated recording device' hidden in their San Francisco office and subsequently alerted the FBI. The device was found wrapped in toilet paper and inserted into 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 terminated. The complaint details that Alfozan allegedly concealed the recording device to capture sensitive communications regarding the company's AI product, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. Alfozan has been employed at OpenAI since July 2025. The device was discovered by OpenAI employees on September 30, two days after it was allegedly installed. Prosecutors noted that the device was encrypted and that OpenAI utilized its AI models to trace its origin back to the employee. The FBI reported that Alfozan used a 'productivity tool' and a 'chatbot' to research sensitive locations within OpenAI and methods for secretly placing audio equipment. Allegedly, he searched for prompts related to building, customizing, and installing 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, a bag he left unattended was opened by OpenAI security, revealing 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 a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.