18-1-2024 (MUNICH) Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, 76, found himself in a bit of trouble at Munich Airport in Germany when he failed to declare a high-end watch. Customs officers detained the Terminator star on Wednesday, 17th January, under tax laws for several hours after his arrival from Los Angeles. Schwarzenegger was singled out for luggage inspection, during which officials discovered a custom-made watch from Swiss brand Audemars Piguet worth over US$21,000 (S$28,000).
Thomas Meister, the customs spokesman in Munich, revealed to German newspaper Bild that the timepiece should have been registered as an import. As a result, they have now launched criminal tax proceedings regarding the incident.
According to Bild, Arnold sought assistance from his lawyers after being questioned for nearly four hours. Allegedly, he was fined €35,000 (S$51,000) for his failure to declare the watch.
Accompanied by his physiotherapist partner, Heather Milligan, 49, the actor was eventually released and permitted to continue his journey to Austria shortly before 5 pm local time.
In a photo obtained by Bild, Schwarzenegger appeared unfazed by the situation as he smiled for the camera while holding a box, presumably containing the watch.
A source informed Page Six that the actor was never asked to fill out a declaration form, and he truthfully answered all questions posed by the customs officers. The source added, “He co-operated at every step even though it was an incompetent shakedown, a total comedy of errors that would make a very funny cop movie.”
Page Six reported that according to their source, Arnold agreed to pre-pay potential taxes on the watch. However, the officers apparently encountered issues with the credit card machine, which caused delays of up to an hour.
The insider further revealed that Arnold was then escorted to a bank to withdraw cash from an ATM. Unfortunately, the required amount exceeded the available funds, and the bank was already closed.
“When he returned, a new officer brought a new credit card machine that worked,” the source explained.
Bild stated that Schwarzenegger initially remained calm during the interrogation but grew increasingly impatient with the passage of time and the procedure itself.
Arnold, who holds dual Austrian and US citizenship, was en route to attend a charity auction in Kitzbuhel, Austria, which took place on Thursday. It is believed that he planned to auction off the watch at the event.
An insider informed Page Six that “The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative will properly report it, as all of Arnold’s non-profits do.” The source added, “His charity auctions raise millions of dollars every year for after-school programs for kids all over the US and environmental work around the world. We hope Germany spends as much energy turning around their economy as they do asking for tax payments for people’s property they bring into the country, and we hope next time they don’t make him pay taxes on his suits.”
