# OpenAI finds hidden recording device in offices

> US prosecutors charge a Saudi engineer who worked at OpenAI with planting sophisticated recording devices to capture confidential conversations.
- Title: OpenAI finds hidden recording device in offices · Engadget
- Summary: US prosecutors charge a Saudi engineer who worked at OpenAI with planting sophisticated recording devices to capture confidential conversations. OpenAI…
- Keywords: openai, abdulrahman alfozan, san francisco, recording device, espionage, federal prosecutors, technology, finds, hidden, recording, device, offices
- Source: Engadget — https://engadget.com/2286084/openai-says-it-found-a-sophisticated-recording-device-hidden-in-its-offices
- Author: Igor Bonifacic
- Published: 2026-10-13T21:34:17+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: openai, abdulrahman alfozan, san francisco, recording device, espionage, federal prosecutors, technology
## Device found in executive conference room
OpenAI discovered a sophisticated recording device hidden inside one of its San Francisco offices on September thirty.The device was plugged into a USB port on the back of a television in an executive conference room.
## Engineer accused of planting the device
US federal prosecutors have charged Abdulrahman Alfozan, a thirty five year old engineer employed by OpenAI since July twenty twenty five, with allegedly hiding the recording device.
## Alfozan used AI to learn how to build it
According to prosecutors, Alfozan used a chatbot to ask how to build, install and hide a remote recording device.

> build a continuous audio recorder
## Second device found, charges carry prison time
On October fifth, Alfozan allegedly left a bag in OpenAI's office containing his wallet, ID and a second recording device.
## Key takeaway

OpenAI discovered a hidden recording device planted by employee Abdulrahman Alfozan, a thirty five year old engineer, who allegedly used AI chatbots to learn how to build and conceal it.