Munich, Germany – Hollywood actor and former California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, found himself detained at Munich airport after allegedly failing to declare a luxury watch he had planned to auction for charity. The incident, which took place on Wednesday, led to an investigation into possible tax evasion as the watch was intended to be sold within the European Union (EU). EU rules state that anyone arriving with “cash or certain valuable items” over €10,000 (£8,580) must declare it. However, sources have indicated that Schwarzenegger was not asked to fill out a declaration form.
The 76-year-old actor and climate change campaigner encountered a series of setbacks while attempting to pay the required tax. Initially, the card machine did not work, and it was later discovered that the nearest bank was closed, with ATM withdrawal limits too low. Customs officials had to bring a new card machine to resolve the issue. Schwarzenegger’s spokesman described the entire incident as “a total comedy full of errors, but which would make a very funny police film.”
The watch, custom-made for the Terminator star by luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet, was reportedly up for auction at a fundraising dinner for The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative in Kitzbuhel, Austria. The event, set to take place at the five-star Stanglwirt hotel, boasted an array of items for sale, including signed exhibits, artworks, and experiences from the worlds of sports and film. The timepiece itself was described as one of only 20 in existence, featuring an image of Arnold in his iconic pose with the words “Arnold Classic.” The starting price for bids was listed at €50,000.
While the incident caused a delay for Schwarzenegger, the actor appeared to take it in his stride. A photo published by German tabloid Bild showed a smiling Schwarzenegger holding a box for the watch with a note that read “For Austria.” Despite the temporary setback, the actor’s commitment to auctioning the luxury timepiece for a good cause remained intact.
This unexpected airport detainment provided a glimpse into the challenges and peculiarities that can arise in international travel, even for high-profile individuals. Schwarzenegger’s experience highlighted the importance of adhering to customs and tax regulations when crossing borders, regardless of one’s status or influence. Ultimately, this incident served as a reminder that even celebrities are not exempt from scrutiny when it comes to customs declarations and tax obligations.