OpenAI engineer arrested for allegedly planting hidden recording device in executive conference room

OpenAI reported discovering a sophisticated recording device hidden in an executive conference room at its office, plugged into a TV’s USB port. The device was covered in toilet paper and its contents were encrypted, according to a Department of Justice (DOJ) press release.

The company stated it used its AI models to analyze the device and trace its origin, identifying a specific employee who allegedly planted it a few days earlier. OpenAI referred the incident to the FBI and terminated the employee’s position.

Abdulrahman Alfozan, a 35-year-old OpenAI engineer, was arrested and charged with using or attempting to use a device to intercept oral communications. Federal prosecutors allege Alfozan did not have authorized access to the executive conference room but was seen on CCTV footage near the room on multiple dates prior to the device’s discovery.

Prosecutors claim footage also showed Alfozan looking behind the TV where the device was installed. The DOJ further alleges that OpenAI security discovered a bag Alfozan left in another room, containing his wallet, ID, and another recording device.

OpenAI confirmed in its statement that it found no indications the employee accessed or exfiltrated model weights, source code, or customer data. The company emphasized its security program is designed to address threats from insider risks to nation states, framing the incident as an example of AI aiding in threat detection.

Alfozan has remained in custody since his arrest on Friday and appeared in federal court for the first time on Tuesday. The FBI’s investigation is ongoing.