FBI arrests OpenAI engineer for allegedly planting bug in office

An OpenAI engineer has been charged with attempting to intercept oral communications after allegedly planting a covert recording device in an executive conference room. Abdulrahman Alfozan, a 35-year-old Saudi national, was arrested on October 9 and made his initial court appearance on October 13. According to court documents, the device was installed in the room on September 28, 2026, hidden inside a TV concealed with toilet paper.

The device was discovered on September 30, with CCTV footage showing Alfozan near the room on multiple occasions. The contents of the device's microSD card may have been encrypted, as OpenAI was unable to retrieve any data from it. The room, often reserved for high-level discussions, is known to host secret and non-public technical meetings.

While it's unclear if the device captured any significant information, the room's contents were examined, revealing Alfozan's unauthorized access to company data. Alfozan admitted to leaving a bag containing personal items in the office printer room on October 5, which was found to contain a second recording device. He claimed the bag was missing items, including a credit card, cash, and personal belongings, before collecting it the next day from the company's Lost and Found.

Alfozan faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for attempting to intercept oral communications. The FBI emphasized the importance of protecting American superintelligence technology and national security from potential threats. OpenAI terminated Alfozan's employment following the allegations.