Abdulrahman Alfozan charged in San Francisco OpenAI recording device case
Abdulrahman Alfozan appeared in a San Francisco federal court Tuesday on an interception charge. The case involves an alleged secret effort to capture sensitive company technology talks. Officials announced the charge against the 35-year-old Saudi national on Tuesday.
Federal agents arrested Alfozan on Friday. He worked as an engineer at OpenAI. The company confirmed it fired him after finding the listening equipment.
OpenAI stated it found no sign that Alfozan accessed model weights, source code, or customer data. The criminal complaint does not state what he planned to do with the recordings.
The company said it found a sophisticated recording device hidden inside an office. Workers used company models to trace the tool to the employee.
“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,” an OpenAI spokesperson said.
Staff found the equipment on September 30 in an executive conference room. The device sat wrapped in toilet paper inside a television USB port, the complaint says.
OpenAI reported the tool had advanced encryption and audio monitoring abilities. The firm said evidence showed plans to place more devices across the building.
“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,” Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement on X.
Security cameras did not cover the conference room when the device was planted. Hallway cameras showed Alfozan near the room nearly a dozen times last month.
He lacked authority to enter the space or attend those meetings, the complaint says. OpenAI then installed a camera inside the room.
That new camera recorded Alfozan checking behind the television last week, according to the FBI. He also queried building addresses, room sizes, and calendars on a work tool.
Alfozan left an unattended bag in another San Francisco room days before his arrest. Staff found his wallet, ID, and another matching audio device inside.
Federal law prohibits using or attempting to use devices to intercept oral communications without consent. Defendants appear for initial hearings before formal proceedings begin.
It was not clear if Alfozan had a lawyer. He is due back in court on Oct. 19.
