Arnold Schwarzenegger, the renowned former actor and governor of California, was detained for several hours at Munich Airport in Germany due to issues regarding a high-value watch he was carrying. The incident occurred when Schwarzenegger arrived on Wednesday and was subjected to a standard inspection, as confirmed by customs spokesperson Thomas Meister. After approximately 2 and a half hours, Schwarzenegger was permitted to leave on Thursday.
According to European Union regulations, any goods exceeding the value of 430 euros (about $467) that are intended to remain within the EU must be declared, and taxes paid if necessary. The German newspaper Bild first reported that Schwarzenegger’s watch, a unique piece crafted by Swiss company Audemars Piguet, was estimated at around 20,000 euros ($21,739).
The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative clarified that the detention was due to Schwarzenegger traveling with a personal watch, which he was considering auctioning at a charity event in Kitzbuehel, Austria, on Thursday. The organization stated in an email that Schwarzenegger fully cooperated, despite describing the incident as an “incompetent shakedown,” and agreed to prepay any potential taxes on the watch.
The initiative also mentioned that the watch is still expected to be auctioned, and they will report the sale appropriately, as is standard for Schwarzenegger’s nonprofit activities. Schwarzenegger’s charity auctions are known for raising significant funds annually for children’s after-school programs across the United States and for global environmental initiatives.
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The case is now being forwarded to a customs penalty authority in Augsburg for further assessment.
