OpenAI Fooled by Russian Pranksters Into Thinking They Were Speaking to Ukrainian Official

A Russian internet comedy duo tricked three of OpenAI’s highest ranking military and national security staff into a candid conversation about arming Ukraine. The online pranksters posed as officials from Ukraine’s government, according to a recording of the meeting posted online.

The Russian comedy duo known as Vovan and Lexus have pulled off a long string of prank telephone calls to famous figures since 2011, with victims ranging from Elton John to John McCain. The group, whose pranks have often aligned with Russian foreign policy priorities, have been accused of working in league with its government, a charge they deny.

The latest to fall for their routine were Sasha Baker, who runs national security policy at OpenAI; the company’s lead for strategic initiatives, Caroline Zier; and Ben Crampton, who leads the country’s forays into European national security matters. All three have extensive government experience, with Baker and Zier taking high-level postings in the Department of Defense, and Crampton working in the European Union and United Nations.

“Weeks ago, we launched a thorough investigation into the call’s authenticity,” OpenAI spokesperson Nate Evans said in a statement to The Intercept. “We acted internally and with the relevant authorities to conclude that it was a prank conducted by individuals with a history of targeting officials and other companies. We took action to prevent similar situations from happening in the future.” (The Ukrainian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.)