14.10.2026 08:20
It has been revealed that a hidden audio recording device was placed in the executives' meeting room at OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, in its building in California, USA. Authorities examining security cameras identified Abdulrahman Alfozan, a Saudi Arabian citizen working as an engineer at the company, as a suspect. Alfozan, who was detained on October 9, faces up to 5 years in prison if found guilty.
The U.S. Department of Justice made a statement about an incident at the California building of artificial intelligence company OpenAI.
According to the Department, company employees detected an audio recording device placed in a USB port behind a television in the conference room used by executives at the end of September.
In the examination, it was determined that the device, found wrapped in toilet paper, had been placed around September 28. The files on the device turned out to be encrypted.
SECURITY CAMERAS REVEALED THE SUSPECT
When the company's security camera recordings were reviewed, the movements of Saudi Arabian citizen Abdulrahman Alfozan, who began working as an engineer at OpenAI in July 2025, drew attention.
In the footage, it was determined that Alfozan had walked around the conference room multiple times before the device was found.
It was determined that the suspect also entered the meeting room on October 5 and looked toward the spot where the audio recording device was located.
ANOTHER RECORDING DEVICE WAS FOUND IN HIS BAG
As part of the investigation, it was alleged that another audio recording device was found in a bag said to belong to Alfozan.
Officials claimed that the suspect intended to secretly record meetings where sensitive information was discussed among executives.
No definitive information was disclosed as to whether the device recorded any conversation or whether the obtained information was shared with third parties.
FACING UP TO 5 YEARS IN PRISON
Abdulrahman Alfozan, who was detained on October 9 following OpenAI's complaint, appeared before a judge for the first time on October 13.
It was stated that if the charges are established by the court, Alfozan could face up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release after his sentence.
While the judicial process regarding the incident continues, the allegations about the suspect have not yet been confirmed by a final court decision.