David Haye arrested at Dubai airport: British boxer 'accused of fraud with passport seized'

British boxing champ David Haye was reportedly arrested at Dubai airport and held in a police cell over a £341,000 (1.8 million Emirati dirham, $520,000) bounced cheque.

The 34-year-old sportsmen, who last fought in 2012 when he defeated Dereck Chisora, was accused of fraud after the cheque, which was intended as a final payment on a newly-built property, was flagged up by officials at Dubai International Airport.

As writing a cheque that later bounces is a crime in Dubai and can be punishable with jail, a fine, and being ordered to pay the amount, Haye was allegedly forced to surrender his passport and held in police custody while the case was investigated.

Speaking to The Sun's Michael Hamilton, the athlete said that the incident was down to an "administrative error".

"The cheque was presented to the bank four days before I landed," he told the paper. "It was not due to be presented until final completion of my property, which is due in a few weeks.

"This was an administrative error which is being rectified. I explained to the police and presented documents as proof. But I can totally understand these mistakes can happen."

As a result of his extended stay in Dubai, Haye had to bow out of a BAMMA mixed martial arts event in Birmingham on 25 April, where he was due to be on commentating duties.

He later took to social media to reassure fans that all was well and to thank them for their supportive messages. In an Instagram clip he can be seen walking along a beach in the sunshine.

"Don't worry about me too much!!!" he said. "Thanks for all your worry and concern but don't get too stressed about me, things aren't that bad.

"A little administrative issue has left me in Dubai for a few days longer than anticipated but it's getting smoothed out as we speak and I'll be back – probably in London or Las Vegas soon."