A Saudi national has been charged with planting a hidden audio device in an OpenAI office in California, federal prosecutors said. The device, found in a TV's USB port, was wrapped in toilet paper and allegedly aimed at capturing sensitive communications about the AI firm's products.
The device was discovered by OpenAI employees on September 30, two days after it was installed. Prosecutors say the suspect, who worked at OpenAI since July 2025, used a chatbot to research locations and methods for secretly placing the device. The device was encrypted and wrapped in toilet paper to avoid detection.
OpenAI confirmed the device was planted by an employee and that no sensitive data or source code was compromised. The employee has been fired, and the company said it used AI models to trace the device's origin. The FBI said the device was intended to intercept communications about OpenAI's AI products.
The suspect is accused of using a productivity tool and chatbot to plan the device's placement, including searching for terms like 'customising Wi-Fi connectivity' and 'encrypting the SD card.' Prosecutors allege the device was hidden in an executive conference room to capture information about the company's AI developments.