OpenAI employee accused of planting recording device in office

What happened: The Justice Department said an OpenAI engineer, Abdulrahman Alfozan, 35, was arrested and charged with trying to intercept oral communications after a recording device was found in an executive conference room. OpenAI fired him and contacted the FBI. Key numbers: Alfozan worked at OpenAI as an engineer since July 2025. Why it matters: OpenAI said it has no indications of inappropriate access to model weights, source code, or customer data, and that the FBI investigation is ongoing. The room was often used for confidential research, product, and business discussions. Coverage: 15+ outlets in 24h

The Justice Department said an OpenAI engineer, Abdulrahman Alfozan, 35, was arrested and charged with trying to intercept oral communications after a recording device was found in an executive conference room. OpenAI fired him and contacted the FBI.

OpenAI said it has no indications of inappropriate access to model weights, source code, or customer data, and that the FBI investigation is ongoing. The room was often used for confidential research, product, and business discussions.