Prince Sultan bin Turki, a nephew of King Fahd, told the story of his alleged abduction in a phone conversation with the Associated Press from the Saudi capital, Riyadh - his first reported contact with the outside world since he disappeared last June.

Last May, while living in Switzerland, he set up the Royal Saudi Political Organisation, a group aimed at combating corruption among Saudi princes and high officials.

"Those profiting from corruption in the Saudi government felt that my activities were a threat to them and they agreed to eliminate or abduct me," he said.

He said he had been duped into attending a meeting with two other princes at King Fahd's palace in Geneva in June. "After five minutes, five masked, heavy-built men crashed through the door, restrained me, gagged me and warned me against making any noise," he said.

"My office in Riyadh was raided and my employees were interrogated and some were imprisoned." He said some had been deported after questioning and others forced to sign a letter promising not to discuss the issue.

After spending two months in the royal suite of the Specialist hospital in Riyadh, Prince Sultan said, he was escorted to his house under heavy security and prevented from receiving guests or communicating with the outside world until recently.

The prince, who is noted for his views on the need for bold reforms, does not hold a senior position in the Saudi government.

A detailed account of his alleged abduction was published this month on the website of the Movement for Islamic Reform in Arabia, which is based in London.

The website alleged a visit to Switzerland by Crown Prince Abdullah, during which Saudi planes were granted special facilities, provided cover for the kidnap operation. A specially hired Boeing 747 medical evacuation aircraft was allegedly used to smuggle Prince Sultan out of the country.

Saudi officials have so far made no comment on the allegations.