Arnold Schwarzenegger was detained at Munich airport on Wednesday, as confirmed by Page Six.
According to a source, the 76-year-old actor faced customs issues due to a watch he intended to auction at his charity event in Kitzbuhel, Austria. Munich’s customs spokesman, Thomas Meister, informed Bild that the agency had begun criminal tax proceedings. The reason: the watch, valued over $21,000 from Swiss brand Audemars Piguet, required registration for import.
Page Six learned that Schwarzenegger was not asked to complete a declaration form but answered all customs questions truthfully. Despite this, a source described the incident as a series of misunderstandings, likening it to a comedy film plot. A photo acquired by Bild showed Schwarzenegger, clad in a jacket with the American flag and circular glasses, smiling while holding the watch box.
Schwarzenegger consented to prepay potential taxes on the watch, his personal property. However, a malfunctioning credit card machine caused further delays. The actor was directed to an ATM to withdraw cash, but the required amount exceeded his limit, and the bank had closed. Eventually, a functioning credit card machine resolved the situation.
Bild reported Schwarzenegger’s growing frustration with the process over time. Released, he plans to auction the watch for his charity, the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative. A source emphasized the charity’s diligent reporting and its significant contributions to children’s after-school programs and environmental efforts worldwide.
The source expressed hope that Germany would focus equally on economic improvements and reconsider its approach to taxing personal property brought into the country. Page Six sought comments from Schwarzenegger’s representative but has yet to receive a response.
