Lee Andrews has spoken publicly for the first time since disappearing for several weeks, sharing his account of the events that led to his detention and eventual release. The 43-year-old posted a video on social media in which he described being detained near the Hatta-Oman border and claimed he was suspected of espionage. During the video, Andrews also expressed gratitude to his wife, Katie Price, for helping secure assistance from British authorities.

Addressing followers, Lee said: “Hi everyone, this is Lee. I’ve been missing now for several weeks. I can tell you I’m now safe and healthy and with my wife.

“I was taken close to the Hatta-Oman border by men at gunpoint and then I was captured by men with assault rifles.

“They did slap me around a little bit, little s***s, and I was hand-tied, shackled and also had a hood over my head.

“From there I was taken to a black site and I had no use of my phone and from what I know it was an extended arm of the National Guard and that’s all I can reveal at the moment.

“I have signed disclaimers now with state security and from there I was put into the system.

“At no point have I faced anything to do with fraud allegations or any criminal activities such as that.”

However, officials in the UAE have disputed Andrews’ claims that he was detained on suspicion of spying. Authorities reportedly stated that he had spent the previous four weeks in custody over alleged fraud-related matters.

Despite the official response, Andrews maintained his version of events and released a further statement thanking those who supported him during his detention.

He said: “So I’m sending these messages out to my loved ones and my beautiful wife, who without her help involving all the UK authorities, I don’t think I would have got out of that situation."

“Because of the tensions and things happening in the region, and me being so close to the border, this is why I was suspected of espionage and held in a state security building without the use of a telephone and any right to shower, contact or speak to any of my family, including the embassy or my wife.

“So thank you to Katie for making such a noise where the UAE actually listened and let me go.

“From there, I did have a civil case in Dubai, which led to me going into the mainstream prison during the Arabic holiday Eid and I was able to secure my release.

“I’m here now. So thank you for everyone for listening and loved blessings to everyone.”

Katie Price appeared to support her husband's account by reposting his video on Instagram. Alongside the clip, she wrote: “My husband is back. I love you.”

Andrews was released from Dubai’s Al Awir prison on Friday. Shortly afterward, Price travelled from the UK to Dubai, where the couple reunited over the weekend.

Photographs from Sunday evening showed an emotional meeting between the pair, with Andrews embracing Price before they later visited Vox Dubai, an outdoor rooftop cinema, to watch a World Cup football match.

The couple’s relationship has attracted significant public attention since they first connected on Instagram in January. Just nine days after meeting online, they married in Dubai.

Price has previously responded to criticism surrounding the relationship and addressed concerns raised by followers.

She said: “I know people have been calling me stupid, I see all the trolling, I hear it.

“I am not stupid. Trust me, I am protected in every way. My card has been marked and I have been taking notes.

“There is no way he would mess with me, and in a way I feel protected because I have the nation looking out for me. I’m not a mug and when I finally see Lee, I am going to question him.

“And if the answers I get are not right, that will be it: I’ll be done. That’s it. And I’ll just get on with my life… and not find a man on Instagram and message him….”

Court records have reportedly shown that Andrews has faced several legal challenges in Dubai. According to the documents, fines totalling approximately £140,000 needed to be settled before he could secure his release.

While in prison, Andrews reportedly asked Price during a phone call to create an online fundraising campaign to help cover the amount owed. Price later revealed her response, telling him: “No one will do that for you, Lee, trust me. Everyone hates you.”

Andrews has also previously served a prison sentence after being convicted of forging Taji’s signature on a £200,000 mortgage document.

‍