FBI says recording device was hidden in OpenAI’s restricted meeting room
OpenAI found a recording device in a restricted executive conference room two days after it was allegedly planted. The FBI said engineer Abdulrahman Alfozan may have placed it there and arrested him after an investigation.
Image: arstechnica.com · Author: Ashley Belanger · source articleEditorial excerpt for news reporting
OpenAI found a recording device in a restricted executive conference room where leaders discussed technical progress, government engagements and commercial partnerships. The FBI said it was likely planted on September 28 and discovered on September 30.
The FBI suspects Abdulrahman Alfozan, a 35-year-old engineer from Saudi Arabia who became a permanent US legal resident in 2020. The bureau said chatbot logs and CCTV footage suggested he sought to spy on OpenAI and expose trade secrets.
Device was concealed behind a television
Investigators allege that the USB device was wrapped in toilet paper and connected to the back of a television in the conference room. OpenAI determined that its contents were encrypted.
On October 5, the company installed a camera in the room. The FBI said footage from that day allegedly showed Alfozan trying to retrieve the device.
OpenAI did not dismiss him immediately. Instead, it gradually restricted his system access while working with the FBI to examine the device, then fired him on Friday as the FBI arrested him.
If convicted of unlawful recording offenses, Alfozan faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, the FBI said.
What we know
- OpenAI found the device two days after it was allegedly placed in the restricted room.
- The FBI suspects engineer Abdulrahman Alfozan of trying to spy on the company.
- Investigators say the USB device was hidden in toilet paper behind a television.
- OpenAI installed a camera after finding it and later fired Alfozan during his arrest.
- Alfozan faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
Trust: Single source
- The story relies on one publisher. A second independent confirmation has not been established from the cited sources.
- Sources: Ars Technica.
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