Federal prosecutors have unsealed a criminal complaint detailing the alleged actions of **Abdulrahman Alfozan**, a 35-year-old Saudi Arabian national and US permanent resident. Alfozan, who was an engineer at **OpenAI**, is accused of concealing an audio recording device, disguised within toilet paper, behind a monitor in an executive conference room at one of the company’s San Francisco offices. According to the complaint, Alfozan spent several weeks querying an unspecified “productivity agent” and an “AI chatbot” to meticulously plan his alleged surveillance operation. He also reportedly leveraged an internal **OpenAI** tool to gather information about meetings scheduled in the targeted conference room. Furthermore, prosecutors allege he used a chatbot account associated with his spouse to inquire about the technical aspects of setting up a covert audio recording device. **OpenAI**'s security team reportedly discovered an additional recording device in Alfozan’s bag at the office. Alfozan made an initial appearance in US District Court in San Francisco on Tuesday, facing one charge of “use of an electronic, mechanical, or other device to intercept oral communications.” If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison. He joined **OpenAI** in July 2025 and was terminated last Friday, coinciding with his arrest. **FBI** Director **Kash Patel** stated that Alfozan's objective was “to secretly capture sensitive communications about the company’s super intelligence technology.” However, neither prosecutors nor **OpenAI** have disclosed a potential motive at this time. **OpenAI** released a statement affirming, “At this time, we have no indications of this individual inappropriately accessing or exfiltrating model weights, source code, or customer data. We take protecting our technology, data, and people seriously, and as a matter of national importance.” The listening device, allegedly “concealed in toilet paper” and “inserted into a USB port on the back of a television,” was discovered on September 30 during a countersurveillance sweep. ### Targeting Executive Discussions The targeted conference room is reserved exclusively for executives and their assistants, typically hosting internal leadership meetings, technical and product sessions, and external briefings with business partners and government officials. Discussions in this room frequently involve highly confidential information, including research, product development, business strategy, and government relationships. **OpenAI** described the recording device as “sophisticated.” Authorities allege the device planted by Alfozan was a **Seeed XIAO ESP32-S3 Sense**, a compact development board equipped with a detachable camera sensor, digital microphone, and microSD storage. This device retails for approximately $13.99. **OpenAI**'s security team attempted to extract data from the microSD card but found it to be encrypted. After discovering the device, **OpenAI** promptly notified the **FBI**. The company was able to link the device to Alfozan by reviewing chat logs, surveillance footage, and searching a bag he had left unattended in the office. His access to company systems was gradually disabled as the investigation progressed. According to the complaint, **OpenAI** security personnel found Alfozan's unattended bag in a printer room on October 5. The bag contained a second encrypted **Seeed** listening device and personal items belonging to Alfozan, including his wallet. Prosecutors allege that Alfozan later reported the bag missing to **OpenAI** and subsequently retrieved it from the company’s lost and found. He then reportedly informed **OpenAI** personnel that certain items, such as a credit card, cash, and two **AirPods**, were still missing, notably omitting any mention of the second listening device, which had been removed by security.