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...

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...

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.

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

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.

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

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

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