A Saudi national working for AI giant OpenAI has been arrested for allegedly installing a high-tech surveillance device in a conference room, sparking concerns over data security in tech firms.

The employee, Abdulrahman Alfozan, was booted and taken into custody on October 9, less than a week after the device was discovered. Officials say it contained advanced encryption and was designed to avoid detection, hinting at a complex operation.

OpenAI stated it used its own AI models to understand the device, noting it was sophisticated but declined to provide details on its capabilities. The company maintained that there were no signs of inappropriate access to sensitive information.

According to prosecutors, Alfozan was charged with using an electronic device to intercept oral communications, with the aim of capturing sensitive company communications related to super intelligence technology. His motives remain unclear, but the FBI views this as a serious threat to national security.

FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the importance of safeguarding American SI innovation, warning that such schemes could compromise economic and national security.