PHOENIX — The FBI has launched an investigation into the disappearance of former Detroit Pistons center Bison Dele and his girlfriend during a boating trip in the Pacific Ocean.
Dele, girlfriend Serena Karlan and boat captain Bertrand Saldo have been missing for two months, said Andrew Black, spokesman for the FBI's San Francisco office.
Dele, formerly known as Brian Williams, played on the Chicago Bulls' championship team in 1996-97. He later signed with the Pistons, where he played for two seasons before retiring. He played at the University of Arizona in 1990 and 1991.
Dele's 57-foot sailboat was scheduled to sail from Moorea, Tahiti, to Honolulu and was last reported near Tahiti. The Coast Guard is searching for the boat.
"We are interviewing people that may have information which will explain why they disappeared," Black said.
Missing persons complaints were made in Colorado and Michigan, where Dele had business contacts.
Even though relatives said earlier that another two crew members were aboard the boat, the FBI said only one crew member was reported missing.
Authorities are in the process of locating Williams' older brother Kevin, also known as Miles Dabord, who lives in the San Francisco area.
Kevin Williams was questioned by Phoenix police last week in an identity theft investigation, said Karlan's stepfather, Scott Ohlgren.
Authorities would not identify the man questioned in the investigation but said he claimed to be Brian Williams.
A coin dealer tipped off investigators that the man, whose identity wasn't released by police, was seeking to pay money for gold bullion, Phoenix detective Tony Morales said.
The coin dealer had questions about the transaction and learned that Dele was reported missing, Morales said.
Morales added the case was handed over to the FBI for investigation.