Fresh controversy has erupted around Katie Price’s whirlwind new marriage after claims emerged that her husband, Lee Andrews, spent weeks behind bars in Dubai — and was barred from leaving the country amid allegations of financial deception.
According to reports, Andrews, 43, was allegedly detained for three weeks in a Dubai prison after being accused of forging his ex-girlfriend’s signature to secure a £200,000 loan in her name — an allegation he strongly denies.
The Allegation at the Centre of the Storm
Sources have claimed that last year Andrews applied for a mortgage worth AED 1 million (£200,000) on behalf of his then-partner, personal trainer Dina Taji — without her knowledge or consent.
The situation reportedly unravelled when Dina received an unexpected call from the mortgage provider, prompting her to investigate and ultimately pursue legal action against Andrews.
Under Dubai law, individuals involved in unresolved criminal or civil cases — including debt disputes — can be subject to an automatic travel ban, preventing them from leaving the country while investigations remain open.
It is understood Dina reported the matter to authorities, triggering an investigation. While the current status of the case remains unclear, Andrews was allegedly placed under a travel restriction during that period.
“Compulsive Liar” Claims From Inside the Prison
The allegations intensified after a man claiming to have shared a cell with Andrews at Al-Awir Central Prison spoke to the Mirror.
Describing Andrews as a “compulsive liar” and a “scammer,” the former inmate alleged the businessman spent three weeks in custody last October and warned that his marriage to Katie Price was “just another of his scams.”
He claimed Andrews repeatedly sought to borrow 30,000 dirhams (£5,966) from fellow inmates, promising immediate repayment upon release.
While refusing to lend such a large sum, the man said he still supported Andrews inside the jail by providing phone cards, food, and clothing.
According to his account, Andrews eventually borrowed money from his ex-wife, Cezara, to meet the minimum payment required for release — only to be told he faced additional unresolved civil cases that prevented him from leaving Dubai.
Inside Conditions “Like Mental and Physical Torture”
The former cellmate painted a grim picture of life inside the prison, claiming cells were overcrowded with up to 70 inmates sharing just 60 beds across 10 cells.
He alleged Andrews slept on a mattress on the floor and frequently exercised using improvised weights made from water bottles and broken brush handles.
The man also claimed Andrews was involved in several physical altercations with other inmates during his time inside.
Social Media Claims — and a Sudden U-Turn
Despite the allegations, Andrews has repeatedly insisted publicly that he is free to travel.
Earlier this week, he told followers on Instagram Stories that he was preparing to fly to the UK to reunite with Katie after her return home to be with her children following their shock wedding.
However, he later appeared to reverse course, posting — then deleting — a message saying he was instead “waiting for Katie” to fly back out to Dubai.
He subsequently claimed he remained in the UAE to search for a home for the couple.
Despite posting an image of a plane suggesting imminent travel, his alleged trip to London has yet to materialise.
Katie, meanwhile, appeared unfazed. She shared a cosy Instagram snap with her eldest son Harvey, captioning it cheerfully with details of a curry night at home.
A Trail of Warnings From Exes
Further controversy has followed Andrews from previous relationships.
After dating Dina for around two years, Andrews moved on to Alana Percival — proposing to her just months before later marrying Katie.
Alana has since publicly warned Katie to “run for the hills,” claiming she possesses proof of Andrews’ alleged misconduct and describing him as a “lying swindler.”
She alleged that Andrews recycled the same Cartier engagement ring and replicated the proposal setting used in her engagement — later mirrored in his proposal to Katie at the Burj Al Arab.
Alana also claimed she was contacted by Andrews’ estranged Russian wife and multiple former partners, all warning her about his behaviour.
Another ex-partner, Crystal Janke, has alleged Andrews persuaded her to hand over £123,000 for an investment, promising a £1 million return.
Andrews Denies Everything
When contacted, Andrews firmly rejected claims that he is subject to a travel ban.
“I’ve been travelling all over Christmas and I’m flying to the UK,” he said, calling the allegations “complete b******s.”
He denied having any £200,000 mortgage, disputed claims of unpaid debts, and insisted his UAE bank balance exceeded that amount.
“There’s no substance to it at all,” he said, adding that if any such debt existed, authorities would have recovered it automatically.
The Daily Mail has approached the Foreign Office for comment.
A Marriage Under Scrutiny
Since marrying Katie just days after getting engaged, Andrews has been labelled a “lying swindler” by critics as questions about his past continue to swirl.
Whether the truth lies in court documents still unresolved — or in the businessman’s repeated denials — remains unclear.
What is certain is that this whirlwind romance is already unfolding under intense scrutiny, with serious allegations, conflicting accounts, and unanswered questions continuing to shadow the newlyweds.
Source: Adapted from reporting by Daily Mail
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