Saudi National Charged with Planting Recording Device in OpenAI Office

A Saudi national, Abdulrahman Alfozan, has been charged with secretly planting a recording device in OpenAI's office in California, according to federal prosecutors. Alfozan, who worked as an engineer at the AI firm, faces charges for using or attempting to use an electronic device to intercept oral communications. OpenAI reported discovering a 'sophisticated recording device' concealed in toilet paper and inserted into a USB port on a television in an executive conference room. The company alerted the FBI after identifying that the device had been planted by an employee using its AI models. Prosecutors stated that the device was found on September 30, two days after it was allegedly installed. OpenAI confirmed that there is no evidence that source code, model weights, or customer data were accessed or taken. Alfozan has been employed at OpenAI since July 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel noted that the alleged intent was to capture sensitive communications regarding the company's AI products. Alfozan reportedly used a productivity tool and a chatbot to research how to place audio equipment covertly. He is also accused of returning to inspect the device on October 5, when he left a bag containing his wallet, ID, and another similar recording device in a different area of the building. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.