The FBI is seeking the public's help in identifying a potential suspect in a corporate espionage or theft case amid warnings that the oil and gas industry has become a target by competitors and foreign governments.

Agents said the man, who was captured on video inside the Houston offices of an unidentified Fortune 500 energy company, is believed to have left the offices with a backpack and shoulder bag stuffed full of company secrets.

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Economic espionage and trade-secret thefts against U.S. oil and natural gas companies are on the rise, joining an estimated $400 billion lost by U.S. companies to foreign competitors because of theft, according to FBI Special Agent Michael Morgan.

"The financial downshift of companies leads the bureau to assess that there is more of a vulnerability for potential inside threats or economic espionage on behalf of foreign adversaries or governments," Morgan said.

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The man is seen visiting the building at 3 a.m. on June 25, 2015, after entering the building through a door that wasn't locking properly. He is seen about at 5 a.m. on Dec. 30, 2015, but was unable to enter the employee offices on that visit and instead took a security radio from the lobby's security area, agents said.

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 in the case. Anyone who has information about the theft is asked contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477 or at www.crime-stoppers.org.

Read more details about this brazen crime at HoustonChronicle.com.