• 1993: John E. Brinker Jr., then of Batavia, shuts down a pair of advertising-related firms and files for bankruptcy. The filing lists $463,316 in debts and $97,445 in assets.

        • 1994: Gary J. Bentz leaves his job at a uniform service company to try his hand at the investment business.

        Gilbert A. Ziegler shuts down mortgage firm in Portland, Ore., and files for bankruptcy.

        • 1995: Mr. Ziegler establishes Fidelity International Bank in the Republic of Nauru, in the the South Pacific.

        • 1996: Grenada approves the creation of an offshore banking industry in hopes of reducing its economic dependence on agriculture and tourism.

        • 1997: Mr. Ziegler arrives in Grenada, taking out a second passport in the name of Van A. Brink.

        First International Bank of Grenada — First Bank — opens, with Mr. Brink as chief executive. Fidelity International Bank's accounts are merged into the new institution, known colloquially as First Bank.

        • 1998: The U.S. Comptroller of the Currency warns that First Bank is illegally soliciting deposits in the United States

        John E. Brinker Jr. and Gary Bentz set up Wellington Bank & Trust in St. George's, Grenada.

        • 1999: British Columbia authorities issue a cease-and-desist order against First Bank after complaints about efforts to raise money in the province.

        Offshore Alert, a newsletter published by Miami-based investigative journalist David Marchant, chronicles the checkered past of First Bank and its founder, now in Uganda pursuing new banking and minerals ventures.

        • 2000: Indiana Securities Division files an administrative complaint and cease-and-desist order against Wellington, alleging the bank sold unregistered securities, using unregistered agents, and violated anti-fraud rules by failing to disclose key facts about the nature and risk of the investments.

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