Hollywood icon and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger found himself in an unexpected predicament on Wednesday as he was detained by customs officers at Munich airport for failing to declare a luxury watch he was wearing during his travels to Austria.
The 76-year-old star was reportedly held for three hours in Germany, prompting questions and speculation about the incident.
Schwarzenegger’s Watch Woes
A customs spokesperson confirmed the detainment to CBS News, revealing that Schwarzenegger, who was en route to Austria, intended to auction the undisclosed luxury watch at a charity event in Kitzbuhel.
The watch’s proceeds were earmarked for The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, an organization dedicated to supporting climate projects globally.
The source familiar with the incident disclosed that Schwarzenegger was never asked to complete a declaration form for the watch. Attempting to rectify the situation, he reportedly tried to pay the taxes owed on the watch at the airport, only to face a malfunctioning credit card machine.
The ensuing complications led to a chain of events where Schwarzenegger, escorted by customs officers, attempted to withdraw cash from an ATM. However, the withdrawal was hindered by a low limit, and subsequently, the bank’s closure added to the unfolding ordeal.
Finally, a functioning credit card machine was brought in, allowing Schwarzenegger to settle the taxes owed.
The detained star, who remained cooperative throughout the incident, was expected to continue his journey, but the fate of the luxury timepiece remains uncertain. Customs spokesman Thomas Meister informed Agence France-Presse that “the watch will probably have to stay.”
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Watch Auction Saga, Tax Troubles and Customs Scrutiny
The watch in question, reportedly a custom-made piece crafted for Schwarzenegger by the renowned Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet, is expected to be auctioned for the charity initiative.
However, the customs spokesperson highlighted an ongoing criminal procedure investigation for potential tax evasion related to the incident.
Despite the hiccup, Schwarzenegger’s commitment to charitable causes was underscored by the purpose behind the watch auction, with all proceeds intended to fund climate projects.
The actor, known for his roles in iconic films and his tenure in California politics, is expected to address the incident as he continues his philanthropic efforts with The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative.
As the details surrounding this unusual customs ordeal unfold, the incident serves as a reminder that even celebrities are not immune to the meticulous scrutiny of customs regulations, and the legal implications of tax-related matters can cast a shadow even over high-profile individuals like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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