Play store
A Saudi national has been arrested in the United States for allegedly planting a hidden listening device in a conference room at OpenAI’s office in San Francisco to secretly record sensitive conversations.
Abdulrahman Alfozan, 35, a former OpenAI engineer, was arrested on October 9 and charged with using an electronic device to intercept oral communications, according to the US Department of Justice.
He had worked at the artificial intelligence company since July 2025.
According to the criminal complaint, OpenAI employees discovered the recording device on September 30, concealed in toilet paper and plugged into a USB port behind a television in an executive conference room. The device’s contents were encrypted.
The room was used for meetings involving senior company executives, business partners and government officials, where confidential technical, commercial and strategic information was discussed.
Prosecutors allege that surveillance footage showed Alfozan entering the room and checking behind the television after the device was installed.
A second similar device was reportedly found in his bag.
In recent court filings, prosecutors also alleged that Alfozan had been communicating with a member of the Saudi royal family about joining an artificial intelligence initiative in Saudi Arabia.
They argued that he posed a flight risk and should remain in custody.
OpenAI referred the matter to the FBI after discovering the device. The investigation is ongoing, and Alfozan is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.