MAINZ, Germany — Former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger faced a detainment and potential criminal charges after being stopped by customs officials at Munich Airport, German officials revealed on Wednesday. The “Terminator” actor was subject to a routine check upon arrival and was questioned for two and a half hours before being allowed to leave, according to an airport customs spokesperson. Though the nature of the criminal proceedings remains undisclosed, Germany’s strict privacy laws prevent officials from sharing such details.
According to a source close to Schwarzenegger, the actor, 76, was detained due to a luxury watch he had brought into the country en route to a charity event in his birth country of Austria. The watch was intended to be a prize at a charity auction for the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative. The source characterized the detainment as an “incompetent shakedown” and a “total comedy of errors.”
The source explained that Schwarzenegger was willing to pre-pay any taxes on the watch but encountered complications when attempting to find a working credit card machine. Although officers accompanied him to an airport ATM to withdraw cash, the withdrawal limit was too low, and the bank happened to be closed. Eventually, a second credit card machine functioned properly, allowing Schwarzenegger to pay the tax.
Despite the detainment, the source confirmed that the luxury watch would still be auctioned as planned, with the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative ensuring proper reporting, as is customary for all of Arnold’s non-profit endeavors. Schwarzenegger was scheduled to host a dinner and charity auction in Kitzbühel, Austria, as part of an annual Alpine skiing competition. The proceeds from the event would contribute to environmental projects and the Austrian World Summit climate conference, organized by the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative.
Speaking in a news release, Schwarzenegger emphasized the importance of giving back and creating a cleaner and healthier future. He expressed gratitude for the support he has received throughout his life and highlighted the need for collective effort in making a positive impact on the world.
The incident at Munich Airport adds a dramatic twist to Schwarzenegger’s charitable endeavors and raises curiosity about the potential consequences of the detainment. As details regarding the criminal proceedings remain undisclosed, it is unclear what impact this incident will have on Schwarzenegger’s future activities. Nevertheless, the actor turned politician’s commitment to his climate-focused initiatives remains steadfast.
With Andy Eckardt reporting from Mainz, Patrick Smith from London, and Diana Dasrath from Los Angeles, this incident has garnered attention across various locations, highlighting the international reach and influence of Schwarzenegger’s philanthropic work.