An illegal alien from Pakistan who lived in Queens, New York, was arrested three weeks ago in North Carolina on immigration charges—and in a search of his possessions, police discovered video footage that looks very much like surveillance for terror attacks: Man Is Held After Police Seize Tapes of Buildings and a Dam. (Thanks to all who emailed.)

Mr. Kamran Shaikh, 35, who officials said was also known as Kamran Akhtar and listed a Queens address, was arrested three weeks ago on immigration charges in Charlotte, N.C., after local police officers questioned him about where he was going and why he was videotaping the downtown area. He agreed to speak with the Federal Bureau of Investigation but gave false statements about his immigration status and his history, officials said.

A search showed video footage of the Bank of America and Wachovia buildings in Charlotte’s busy financial center, which officials said caused particular concern in light of the recent intelligence about the financial institutions in Washington and New York.

Eloise Hale, a spokeswoman for Bank of America in Charlotte, said Tuesday that the company was taking “all necessary security measures” and working with local and federal authorities to monitor the situation. “The security of our associates and our customers is our top priority,” Ms. Hale said.

Other videos in Mr. Shaikh’s possession showed buildings and transit systems in Atlanta, New Orleans, Dallas, Houston and Austin, Tex., as well as what appeared to be Mansfield Dam in Austin, according to an affidavit from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. It was not clear when the other videos were taken.

The tapes included audio of someone speaking in Arabic, but investigators said they were awaiting a translation from the F.B.I. Officials could not explain the apparent delay, which comes at a time when the bureau has faced sharp questioning from lawmakers about its ability to provide quick and accurate translations in terrorism cases.