I am a bit confused by Figure 3. Do they really have a surveillance camera angled just right to capture a photo of someone between the monitor and the wall that supports it?

Here is a direct link to Figure 3:

https://assets.sfstandard.com/image/994911177489/image_bfl33...

▲ iancarroll 4 hours ago | parent | next [-]

This was taken about five days after they discovered the device[0], so it appears to have been installed to catch the culprit. I was confused as well.

[0] https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/saudi-national-arrested-insta...

▲ ollin 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

OpenAI added a camera behind the TV after they found the bug (per the AP story [1]):

    The company subsequently added a camera to the room that last week captured Alfozan entering and checking behind the television where the recording device was installed, according to the FBI.

https://apnews.com/article/ai-fbi-justice-department-7f512b2...

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14 minutes ago | parent | next [-]

[deleted]

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TheOtherHobbes 4 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

Why a recording device? Why not a device that streams audio to a remote server where it's recorded?

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imglorp an hour ago | parent | next [-]

Evidently it was an ESP32 with a wifi antenna. So it could instead/also have streamed to server. Or just used wifi for C+C. Total outlay for information worth millions to someone? Under $20.

https://www.seeedstudio.com/2-4GHz-FPC-Antenna-1-16dBi-for-X...

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loeg 3 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

It's easier to detect a broadcast than a passive receiver.

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nujabe 3 hours ago | parent [-]

Not sure that would be a concern in a meeting room, the risk of getting caught during retrieval would seem to be worse.

	▲	mrheosuper an hour ago \| parent [-]
		If someone found the device, it's harder to link it to you.

▲ crossroadsguy 12 minutes ago | parent | prev | next [-]

That's the accused speaking out loud after clearly noticing the newly installed spy camera: "Good god! Someone has put a recording device here. I would not have seen it had I not been feeling like dusting the back of this TV".

▲ maxnevermind 41 minutes ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Not trying to argue about this particular case but how does a camera footage even work in a modern court system? I mean it can be generated nowadays, so how do they even make sure that it is real?

▲ CTDOCodebases 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

The device used an SD card for storage so they probably discovered the device then set up a hidden camera to catch the person retrieving it.

▲ schleck8 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

That photo is from October 5th so several days after they found the device. They were guessing he might return most likely, and installed a camera. I think at this moment he realized they caught on. Crazy image

▲ qingcharles 5 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

That image really makes zero sense. I'd love an explanation of it.

edit: Asked and answered here:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=50078735

▲ WatchDog 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Speculation, but perhaps they discovered the device, then added the surveillance camera to catch the suspect retrieving it.

▲ wil421 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

A good friend of mine manages installs of AV equipment. He installs some neat equipment. Some of it is cool tech stuff HN would like. He says a lot of conference rooms have video and audio recording devices.

▲ iAMkenough 4 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

Step 1. Find bug, maybe mess with it to make owner come back

Step 2. Place trail camera behind bug

Step 3. Record faces that look at bug