Saudi Man Charged with Planting 'Sophisticated' Recording Device at OpenAI Office
By Max Matza
Published 13 October 2026, 22:19 BST | Updated 5 minutes ago
A Saudi national, Abdulrahman Alfozan, who worked as an engineer at AI firm OpenAI, has been charged federally with using or attempting to use an electronic device to intercept oral communications.
OpenAI Discovery
OpenAI revealed they discovered a "sophisticated recording device" hidden in their San Francisco office, alerting the FBI. Utilizing its AI models, the company traced the device to a specific employee.
Device Details
The device, concealed within a USB port on the back of a TV in an executive conference room, was reportedly wrapped in toilet paper. OpenAI assured that their source code, model weights, and customer data were not compromised.
FBI Statement
FBI Director Kash Patel stated, "The alleged goal was to capture information about the company's AI product."
Charges and Evidence
Alfozan, who has been employed at OpenAI since July 2025, faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He was arrested after prosecutors alleged he returned to inspect the device on October 5th, as evidenced by CCTV footage, and left a bag containing another recording device unattended.
OpenAI Response
OpenAI fired the employee and emphasized that their AI models helped identify the source of the device and the employee responsible.