OpenAI engineer charged in alleged bugging of meeting room
What's new: Prosecutors say the device targeted a room used for confidential technical, commercial and government discussions.
A Saudi engineer who worked at OpenAI appeared in court after federal agents arrested him on a charge tied to an alleged attempt to secretly record conversations inside the company’s offices. Prosecutors say Abdulrahman Alfozan, 35, planted or tried to plant an audio recorder behind a television in a meeting room used for highly confidential technical, commercial and strategic talks, including government engagements. A complaint says he also used AI tools to ask about room schedules, outside-partner meetings and how to build and remotely access a recording device. OpenAI staff found one device on Sept. 30 wrapped in toilet paper, and security later found another similar device in an unattended bag, along with his wallet and ID.