Spy Device Found in OpenAI Meeting Room

The FBI has reportedly arrested a Saudi national employed at OpenAI in connection with an alleged espionage attempt involving a hidden recording device at the company’s San Francisco office. According to the report, employees discovered the device in a meeting room on September 30, concealed inside tissue paper and inserted into a USB port behind a television. The device reportedly contained a microphone, a camera sensor and a microSD storage component. After identifying the suspicious equipment with the help of an internal AI system, OpenAI informed the authorities, leading to the employee’s arrest.

Investigators reportedly identified the employee as Abdul Rahman, who allegedly used an AI chatbot to build the device and attempted to obtain information about confidential meetings involving OpenAI executives. CCTV footage is said to have shown him repeatedly near the meeting room. Authorities reportedly said the stored data was encrypted and could not be accessed. Rahman joined OpenAI in July 2025 and had previously worked at companies including Meta and Microsoft, according to the report. OpenAI has reportedly terminated his employment. If convicted of the alleged offence, he could face up to five years in prison and a substantial fine. The allegations and potential penalties remain subject to the legal process.