US authorities have arrested a Saudi engineer who allegedly planted a hidden recording device inside OpenAI’s San Francisco office. The case involves claims of secretly recording private conversations at the artificial intelligence company.
The US Justice Department identified the employee as 35-year-old Abdulrahman Alfozan. He joined OpenAI in July 2025 and was arrested on October 9. Prosecutors charged him over the alleged interception of private conversations.
Investigators Find Hidden Recording Device
OpenAI employees discovered a concealed audio recorder on September 30, according to prosecutors. Someone had inserted the device into a USB port behind a television in an executive conference room.
Investigators believe someone installed it around September 28. The room hosted confidential discussions about research, product development, business plans and company strategy.
Security footage allegedly showed Alfozan near the restricted conference room several times. Prosecutors also said he lacked permission to attend meetings in that room.
Second Device Raises Further Questions
OpenAI’s security team later found another similar recording device in an unattended bag linked to Alfozan, according to the Justice Department. Investigators also reviewed searches involving office locations, meeting schedules and company executives. These searches reportedly appeared in a productivity tool.
Separately, investigators found queries about remote audio recording and encrypted memory cards in a chatbot account linked to Alfozan’s spouse. However, authorities have not confirmed whether either device captured confidential conversations.
OpenAI Reports Case to FBI
OpenAI confirmed that its security team discovered a sophisticated recording device inside the office. The company then referred the matter to the FBI and dismissed the employee.
OpenAI said it found no evidence that Alfozan improperly accessed or extracted its model weights, source code or customer data. The incident highlights insider security risks for technology companies developing advanced artificial intelligence systems.
Engineer Faces Federal Charges
Alfozan appeared in federal court on October 13. The court scheduled his next appearance for October 19 to consider his detention. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. However, prosecutors must prove the allegations in court. The investigation continues as authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged recording devices.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe to the YouTube Channel.
