Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Austrian-American actor and former governor of California, recently faced a delay at Munich Airport due to a luxury watch he was carrying. Schwarzenegger, known as the “Styrian Oak,” was traveling from the United States through Germany to Kitzbühel to attend the Hahnenkamm Races and the “World Climate Summit.” However, his journey hit a snag when customs officials detained him over a special watch from the Swiss luxury brand Audemars Piguet, valued at around 20,000 euros.
By Aubree Ross
The Incident at Munich Airport
Upon his arrival at Munich Airport, Schwarzenegger caught the attention of the customs officers, who recognized him and requested to inspect his belongings. The actor was carrying a unique Audemars Piguet watch, specially made for him, which he planned to auction at a dinner before the official start of the “World Climate Summit.” The customs officials held Schwarzenegger, asking him to open his bags for inspection.
The Unique Watch for Auction
The watch in question is a one-of-a-kind piece, custom-made for Schwarzenegger by Audemars Piguet. The actor intended to auction this personal item, estimated to be worth around 20,000 euros, at the upcoming event. The auction of this exclusive timepiece was set to be a highlight of the summit’s pre-event dinner.
Investigation for Tax Evasion
Thomas Meister, a spokesperson for the Munich Main Customs Office, stated to the media that they are investigating Schwarzenegger for tax evasion. According to Meister, Schwarzenegger should have declared the watch upon entry, as it constitutes an import. This requirement applies to everyone, regardless of their celebrity status.
Schwarzenegger’s Reaction and Current Status
Reportedly, Schwarzenegger remained relatively calm during the interrogation, but the delay was affecting his schedule, as he was due to travel from Munich to Kitzbühel. As of the latest update, it was unclear whether the customs would allow Schwarzenegger to proceed with the watch. A spokesperson for the Munich Main Customs Office confirmed that Schwarzenegger was being held at the airport.
The incident involving Arnold Schwarzenegger at Munich Airport highlights the strict customs regulations that even high-profile individuals must adhere to when traveling internationally. The detention over a luxury watch underscores the importance of declaring valuable items to avoid legal complications. Schwarzenegger’s situation serves as a reminder for all travelers to be mindful of customs regulations, especially when carrying expensive or unique items across borders.