OpenAI says employee caught planting listening device

OpenAI announced on Tuesday that one of its employees was arrested for planting a sophisticated listening device in the company's San Francisco office. The 35-year-old Saudi engineer was apprehended a week after the device was found in a conference room. The company promptly reported the discovery to the FBI and terminated the employee's employment.

An ongoing federal investigation is currently underway. The suspect, who made a court appearance on Tuesday, faces charges related to intercepting oral communications using an electronic or mechanical device. Although the complaint does not specify the suspect's motives for recording, it is noted that he utilized a tool to gather information about the company's building addresses, meeting rooms, capacities, and calendars.

OpenAI's spokesperson stated that the device was discovered several days after it was allegedly placed by the suspect. The company utilized its models to analyze the device and its origins, confirming that the specific employee planted it a few days prior. The spokesperson emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting the individual improperly accessed or exfiltrated model weights, source code, or customer data.

Authorities revealed that the suspect concealed a USB device wrapped in toilet paper inside a television in an executive conference room, which the suspect had unauthorized access to. Surveillance footage shows the suspect near the room multiple times, and further investigation revealed him inspecting the hidden device.