OpenAI engineer charged after boardroom bug found wrapped in toilet paper

What happened: The DOJ charged OpenAI engineer Abdulrahman Alfozan, 35, with attempting to intercept oral communications after a recording device was allegedly found in an executive conference room. OpenAI said he was terminated. Key numbers: Device planted on or around September 28, 2026; found September 30. Why it matters: Prosecutors say the room hosts secret technical and government meetings. The FBI called protecting US superintelligence innovation a top counterintelligence priority. OpenAI said it found no indication of model weights, source code, or customer data being accessed. Coverage: 7 outlets in 24h

The DOJ charged OpenAI engineer Abdulrahman Alfozan, 35, with attempting to intercept oral communications after a recording device was allegedly found in an executive conference room. OpenAI said he was terminated.

Prosecutors say the room hosts secret technical and government meetings. The FBI called protecting US superintelligence innovation a top counterintelligence priority. OpenAI said it found no indication of model weights, source code, or customer data being accessed.