OpenAI engineer charged after boardroom bug found wrapped in toilet paper
The US Department of Justice has charged an OpenAI engineer with attempting to intercept oral communications after allegedly planting a recording device in an executive conference room. The device was discovered wrapped in toilet paper on September 30. Alfozan's actions have raised concerns about the security of sensitive information within tech companies.
Alfozan, a 35-year-old Saudi national, had worked at OpenAI since July 2025 and had permanent residency in the US since September 2020. He was arrested on October 9 and made his initial federal court appearance on October 13.
The complaint alleges that Alfozan used a productivity agent to inquire about company building addresses and meeting rooms. His spouse's AI chatbot account also shared installation identifiers with his account, suggesting a possible coordinated effort to gather information. The investigation is ongoing.
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