OpenAI indicates that after discovering an employee suspected of installing hidden recording equipment in a senior executive meeting room of this AI company, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been notified.
The federal prosecution confirmed that this employee is a Saudi citizen, Abdulrahman Alfozan. About a week after discovering the surveillance device, OpenAI fired him on October 9th, and he was also arrested on the same day.
OpenAI posted on platform X, stating that the company uses an internal AI model to analyze this “complex” device. OpenAI indicated to TechCrunch that the device possesses “advanced encryption, audio monitoring capabilities, as well as a data transmission mechanism designed to evade surveillance.” However, it is still unclear to what extent this device differs technically from other recording devices.
A post on X by OpenAI states: 'At present, we have no indications that this person has improperly accessed or disclosed model weights, source code, or customer data.'
OpenAI Spokesperson Nate Evans confirmed that this employee joined this AI model company in July 2025 and works in the product team.
The Northern District Attorney's Office of California, USA, stated that Alfozan is accused of using electronic devices to intercept oral communications, which essentially means that he is accused of secretly recording others' voices without permission. The prosecution claimed that the device was discovered behind a TV in the San Francisco office at the USB interface.
According to the prosecution, Alfozan was observed looking behind the television, which is where the recording equipment was placed; whereas OpenAI had previously installed a camera there, and it is alleged that this camera captured footage of this employee.
It is not yet clear for what specific purpose this recording device was used, but Director FBI Kash Patel indicated that the plan was intended to 'obtain sensitive communication content regarding the company's super intelligent technology.'
As of press time, Alfozan and his lawyers have not immediately responded to requests for comments. If convicted, he will face five years in prison.
FBI A spokesperson reiterated Patel's previous statement in response.
Patel indicates that 'protecting American innovation in the field of SI is of paramount importance for maintaining our country's economic strength and national security. FBI regards this mission as one of the highest priorities in counterintelligence work.'
