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OpenAI fires worker after hidden recorder found
The Hindu··3d ago
OpenAI said it fired an employee after finding a sophisticated recording device hidden in a San Francisco conference room. The US Justice Department confirmed Abdulrahman Alfozan, 35, a Saudi national, was arrested on October 9. He worked at OpenAI since July 2025. OpenAI said it found no access to model weights or customer data. Conviction risks five years in prison.
Prism
What It Means For You
- OpenAI said it has no indications of model weights, source code or customer data being taken.
- The FBI is investigating the case, OpenAI said.
- Conviction could bring up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, plus three years of supervised release.
What's Happening
- Staff found a recorder hidden in toilet paper and plugged into a TV USB port late in September.
- CCTV showed Alfozan near the room though he was not authorised for meetings there, the complaint said.
- FBI Director Kash Patel said the device targeted talks on the company’s super intelligence technology.
How The Case Reached Court
- A similar recording device was found in Alfozan’s bag, according to the complaint.
- OpenAI said it used its own models to understand the gadget and its origin.
- The Hindu reported the announcement on October 14, 2026.
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