PodcastThe Journal.October 22, 2026
Did OpenAI Just Catch a Spy?
OpenAI's rapid camera-trap sting and FBI coordination caught an alleged spy, underscoring intensifying national-security fears around AI trade secrets.
- Device and discovery: OpenAI security staff found a ~$14 microphone attached to a micro SD card, wrapped in toilet paper, plugged behind a conference room TV used for top-secret research and government meetings.
- Suspect identified via sting: OpenAI had no interior cameras, so investigators planted a hidden camera behind the TV; a week later it photographed engineering lead Abdulrahman Alfozan looking shocked after finding his device removed.
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