Abdulrahman Alfozan charged in San Francisco OpenAI recording device case
An OpenAI employee was arrested in San Francisco after allegedly hiding a recording device in an executive conference room, federal prosecutors said.
Abdulrahman Alfozan appeared in federal court in San Francisco Tuesday facing an interception charge. The OpenAI engineer stands accused of planting a listening tool inside an executive conference room. Officials said Tuesday the action aimed to capture sensitive technology discussions. The company noted it has no signs of anyone improperly accessing model weights, source code, or customer data.
The criminal complaint filed in federal court in San Francisco does not identify OpenAI directly. The company confirmed the discovery in a statement. They stated they fired the worker and contacted federal agents.
An OpenAI spokesperson outlined the company response.
“We used our models to understand the device and where it had come from, identifying that a specific employee had planted it a few days earlier. We referred the matter to the FBI, and we’re grateful to the agents and prosecutors who moved quickly to make an arrest. The FBI’s investigation is ongoing and we will continue to support their work.”
FBI agents arrested Alfozan on Friday. The company discovered the hidden audio tool on September 30. That discovery occurred one week before the arrest.
Court filings describe the object inside the conference room. Workers found it wrapped in toilet paper. It sat inside a television USB port.
Attorney General Todd Blanche posted about the matter on X.
“This alleged attempt by a Saudi national to steal sensitive communications from OpenAI was taken extremely seriously. Theft of intellectual property involving cutting-edge super intelligence technology poses a serious threat to our national security.”
What Alfozan intended to do with any recordings is not detailed in the court complaint. OpenAI described the apparatus as sophisticated. The firm said it carried encryption and audio monitoring abilities.
Company officials stated Alfozan intended to hide extra equipment in other office areas. The room initially lacked a security camera. Office footage showed Alfozan near the room nearly a dozen times last month without authorization.
The firm subsequently installed a camera inside the space. That camera recorded him checking behind the television, according to the FBI. He had no permission for those meetings.
Alfozan searched for office addresses, room capacities, and calendars with a work tool, the complaint states. Days before his arrest, he left an unattended bag in a separate office room. Staff opened the bag and found his wallet, identification, and a matching recording tool.
Federal court proceedings require an initial appearance to hear formal charges before subsequent hearings are scheduled. The criminal process allows defendants time to secure legal counsel. Grand juries review evidence to determine whether formal indictments proceed.
Alfozan is a 35-year-old Saudi national. He has a return court date set for Oct. 19 in San Francisco. It remains unconfirmed if he has retained legal counsel.
