Recording device hidden in toilet paper found in OpenAI meeting room

A recording device, hidden within toilet paper, was found in a restricted executive conference room at OpenAI where leadership discussed highly confidential matters, including technical progress, government engagements, and commercial partnerships. The discovery occurred two days after the device was believed to have been planted.

The FBI alleges that Abdulrahman Alfozan, a 35-year-old engineer and a permanent US legal resident since 2020, is responsible for placing the device. Alfozan, who worked as an OpenAI engineer for over a year, is accused of attempting to spy on the company and risking national security by leaking trade secrets.

The USB device was reportedly wrapped in toilet paper and plugged into the back of a television in the conference room. It is believed to have been planted on September 28 and found by OpenAI on September 30, with its contents found to be encrypted. CCTV footage from October 5, after OpenAI installed a camera in the room, allegedly shows Alfozan attempting to retrieve the device.

This incident highlights internal security concerns and the challenges of protecting sensitive information within the competitive artificial intelligence sector.