A profile of Abdulrahman Alfozan, a Saudi national who the FBI arrested after OpenAI discovered a recording device and who has deep connections in Saudi Arabia (Financial Times)

Abdulrahman Alfozan, a 35-year-old Saudi national and computer engineer, was arrested by the FBI following allegations that he planted a recording device at OpenAI. According to TechSpot, the device was wrapped in toilet paper and inserted into a USB port on the back of a TV in an executive conference room. OpenAI discovered the device in one of its San Francisco offices around September 30, noting it had been planted a few days prior. Tom’s Hardware reports the FBI identified the device as a Seeed Xiao ESP32-S3 Sense.

The Justice Department alleges Alfozan, who had worked as an engineer at OpenAI since July 2025, used the device to capture sensitive communications regarding the company's super intelligence technology. TechSpot reports that prosecutors allege Alfozan used a chatbot to assist with the scheme, noting an account associated with his spouse submitted questions regarding encryption, Wi-Fi connectivity, and live listening. He also allegedly used a productivity tool to research meeting rooms and executive calendars.

Alfozan was arrested on October 9 and appeared in federal court on October 13, charged with using or attempting to use a device to intercept oral communications. While Semafor notes the arrest occurred days before a White House AI task force meeting, Techmeme reports that the arrest has shocked tech figures in Saudi Arabia, where Alfozan is deeply connected. Semafor further reports he appears to have ties to members of the Saudi business elite.

Brief written by urgent.news from Techmeme, Al Jazeera, TechSpot, Semafor, Tom's Hardware — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.