OpenAI spy case: Engineer used AI chatbot to build hidden ESP32 recorder, faces 5 years
rohanpaul_ai · x · 2026-10-15
BBC details the OpenAI espionage case. Prosecutors say engineer Alfozan spent a month querying a workplace AI assistant about meeting calendars and external partners, then asked a chatbot how to build, modify, hide and remotely access audio recorders (Sept 24-30). He planted a Seeed XIAO ESP32-S3 Sense board wrapped in toilet paper into a TV's USB port around Sept 28, set to encrypt recordings. OpenAI's technical surveillance countermeasures team found it during a room sweep on Sept 30, after CCTV logged him near the room 8 times that month. A later-installed camera filmed him looking behind the TV on Oct 5, when he left a bag with his wallet, ID and a second similar recorder. A detention hearing is set for Oct 19; the charge carries up to 5 years and a $250K fine.
Related event: OpenAI engineer arrested for planting listening device in office(99 posts)→
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