OpenAI Engineer Arrested for Allegedly Planting Secret Recording Device

A Saudi Arabian national working as an engineer for artificial intelligence firm OpenAI has been arrested by the FBI and charged with attempting to install a secret audio recording device. Abdulrahman Alfozan, 35, is accused of placing the device behind a television in a sensitive company meeting room used for discussing proprietary information.

Prosecutors allege that Alfozan utilized AI tools to inquire about meeting room availability and the potential for external partners to attend. He also reportedly used a chatbot linked to his spouse to seek instructions on building and remotely accessing a recording device. The complaint states Alfozan had no authorization to access or participate in meetings held in the room where the device was found.

The device, discovered on September 30 by OpenAI staff, was reportedly wrapped in toilet paper and plugged into a TV. Surveillance footage captured Alfozan entering the room and appearing to look behind the television where the device was installed. OpenAI stated that its own AI models were used to analyze the device and confirmed that there is no indication of unauthorized access to company models, source code, or customer data.

Alfozan, who had been employed by OpenAI since July 2025 and has been a legal permanent resident of the U.S. since 2020, had his employment terminated following his arrest. His attorney has urged the public to withhold judgment, emphasizing that his client is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, Alfozan faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.