Robert Eringer, a former intelligence advisor to Albert, has lodged an official complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The American names Vladimir Putin - Russia's President at the time – and Kremlin banker Sergei Pugachev among those who lavished gifts, including building a three-bedroom dacha in the grounds of Roc Agel, his private estate in the mountains behind Monaco, and expensive trips on Prince Albert to try to ensure his vote five years ago.

Eringer is suing Albert in a California court, claiming breach of contract and seeking back pay.

He urged the IOC to hold an ethics investigation into the allegations, which were first published in The Independent on Sunday newspaper in Britain.

"The Royal Palace of Monaco categorically denies the false allegations of Mr. Eringer against His Royal Highness Prince Albert II," the Palace said in a statement e-mailed to the Associated Press.

"An IOC member for more than 25 years, the monarch has worked tirelessly to promote sport around the world and to defend its values."

The IOC have so far refused to comment on the allegations because Eringer, a former undercover FBI operative, has taken Albert to court in California with a demand for €360,000 (£331,000/$476,000) in wages and severance pay.

In the letter to the IOC President Jacques Rogge, Eringer's Californian lawyer Brigham J. Ricks claims that Albert accepted lavish gifts from Russia, including a luxurious three-bedroom dacha being built on his private farm Roc Agel, aid for a expedition to the North Pole and being guest of honour at a dinner party in the Kremlin. 

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