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Former NSA Employee and OpenAI Engineer Arrested on Espionage Charges
Confirmed
In Short: Former NSA employee Jareh Sebastian Dalke appeared in federal court on Thursday, charged with attempting to transmit classified 'national defense information' to an FBI agent he believed was a Russian operative, according to CyberScoop, a U.S.-based publication.
Former NSA employee Jareh Sebastian Dalke appeared in federal court on Thursday, charged with attempting to transmit classified 'national defense information' to an FBI agent he believed was a Russian operative, according to CyberScoop, a U.S.-based publication. The affidavit alleges that Dalke, who had a top-secret clearance at the NSA, attempted to transmit classified documents to the agent in exchange for $85,000.
Meanwhile, The Verge, a U.S. technology news site, reported that an OpenAI engineer, identified as Abdulrahman Alfozan, was arrested after the company discovered a recording device hidden in an executive conference room. OpenAI found the device plugged into a TV’s USB port, where discussions about highly confidential information often take place.
Both publications agree that the FBI is investigating the cases and that the charges carry severe penalties. Dalke faces three violations of the Espionage Act, which can result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty, according to CyberScoop. Alfozan’s charges are not specified, but the FBI’s investigation is ongoing.
The Verge reported that OpenAI security also found a bag left by Alfozan in another room, containing his wallet, ID, and another recording device. This suggests that Alfozan had been planning to record confidential discussions at OpenAI for some time.
CyberScoop noted that Dalke had only been employed by the NSA for about three weeks before quitting on July 1, but during his brief tenure, he had access to sensitive information. He allegedly told the undercover agent that he had access to information 'relating to foreign targeting of U.S. systems and information on cyber operations.'
The Verge reported that Alfozan, a 35-year-old Saudi national, was arrested after the company discovered the recording device. The publication noted that Alfozan did not have access to the executive conference room where the device was found, but CCTV footage showed him near the room on multiple dates prior to the device’s discovery.
Both publications highlight the serious nature of the charges and the potential impact on national security and corporate confidentiality. The cases underscore the risks associated with handling classified information and the importance of stringent security measures in both government and corporate environments.
In addition to these cases, En (Colombia), I24News (Israel), and BBC (United Kingdom) reported on the arrest of former German spy chief August Hanning and his alleged accomplice, Manfred D., on suspicion of espionage and treason. The German Federal Prosecutor's Office said Hanning is accused of passing around 2,000 classified documents to Manfred D. for money over the years.
The publications agree that Hanning and Manfred D. are facing charges including espionage, disclosure of state secrets, attempted treason, and working as a secret service agent for a foreign power.
These arrests highlight the global nature of espionage and the severe consequences for those involved, emphasizing the need for robust security measures and stringent oversight in intelligence agencies and tech companies.
The investigations into these cases are ongoing, and the full extent of the alleged espionage activities is still being determined.
The arrests of Dalke, Alfozan, Hanning, and Manfred D. underscore the serious consequences of espionage and the importance of maintaining strict security measures to protect sensitive information.
What this adds
The BACKGROUND notes a previous departure of an OpenAI employee, Coxon, who left the company citing concerns over AI safety. Coxon’s departure is unrelated to the current espionage allegations against Alfozan.
Background
Coxon, a former OpenAI employee, has left the company, citing a lack of responsible behavior in the development and deployment of AI technologies. Coxon’s departure comes after he left OpenAI in hopes of finding better safety models at Anthropic.
What's confirmed
- He is facing charges of "aiding and abetting attempted treason and espionage against the state." The prosector's office said the two men are believed to have come up with their arrangement in 2010.
- According to a statement from the prosecutor's office, he is facing charges including alleged espionage, disclosure of state secrets, attempted treason, and working as a secret service agent.
What's still developing
- The FBI’s investigation is ongoing and we will continue to support their work.
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- DW's chief political editor Michaela Küfner, reporting from a government press briefing on the arrest, described the case as Germany's "biggest espionage scandal of the century unfolding in real time." Police arrested Hanning early Tuesday at his home in Nordwalde near the western German city of Munster, according to information from WDR, NDR and the Suddeutsche Zeitung.
- Manfred D, who was Hanning's bureau chief and remained in the BND until this year, is charged with aiding and abetting attempted treason and treasonous espionage.