Nute Gunray was the name of the Neimoidian Viceroy of the Trade Federation during the invasion of Naboo in 23 BBY. Gunray had risen to power with the helps of Sith Lord Darth Sidious, who bonded the Federation with other systems, creating the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Although he was captured at the end of the invasion, back-up droid forces attempted to retake Naboo, thus starting the Clone Wars.