Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger detained in German airport
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In an unexpected turn of events that seems more fitting for a scene from one of his blockbuster films like Terminator, Arnold Schwarzenegger found himself in a real-life predicament.
The Hollywood icon and former California governor had an unexpected incident wherein he was detained by airport officials in Germany.
But it wasn’t because of disorderly conduct or even contraband—it was all because of a watch.
Schwarzenegger, 76, was held in the customs area after arriving from the US, according to Munich Main Customs Office spokesman Thomas Meister.
The watch in question, an Audemars Piguet timepiece, is reportedly worth a staggering €26,000 ($43,000).
The actor had plans to auction the watch to raise funds for his climate crisis charity, a noble cause that unfortunately ran afoul of customs regulations.
The luxury watch was discovered during a routine search of Schwarzenegger's luggage.
The actor had allegedly failed to declare the watch on his arrival customs form, a requirement for all goods imported into the EU.
'We have initiated criminal proceedings under tax law. The watch should have been registered because it is an import,' Customs spokesman Meister said.
He further clarified that this rule applies to everyone, regardless of their celebrity status.
‘If the goods remain in the EU, you have to declare them through customs. This applies to everyone, whether their name is Schwarzenegger or Müller, Meier, Huber.’
Schwarzenegger, however, defended himself in comments made to German tabloid Bild, criticising the German system for its excessive bureaucracy.
'This is the problem that Germany is suffering from. You can no longer see the forest for the trees,' he said.
Despite his good intentions, officials reportedly charged Schwarzenegger €35,000 ($58,000) over the customs breach.
The actor was in Europe to attend the World Climate Summit in the Austrian ski resort of Kitzbühel.
He remained with customs officials while his luggage was checked, a process that took some time, according to Mr Meister. The watch, unfortunately, was expected to stay behind.
The Audemars Piguet timepiece, a bespoke creation made especially for Schwarzenegger by the luxury Swiss watchmaker, was due to be auctioned at a fundraising dinner for Schwarzenegger’s climate initiative.
Items typically auctioned at such events include works of art and signed memorabilia, with the proceeds supporting the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative.
‘The proceeds will support the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, which organises the annual Austrian World Summit climate conference in Vienna and backs climate projects globally,’ the charity says on its website.
‘Schwarzenegger has been fighting pollution and climate change for over 20 years. His approach has always centred around the idea that we need “less talk, more action”’.
When travelling, it's crucial to declare all goods as required by the customs regulations of your destination country. This information is usually available on the country's customs or government website. If in doubt, declare your goods.
Failure to do so can result in penalties, as Schwarzenegger discovered. In some cases, undeclared goods may be confiscated, and serious breaches can even lead to criminal charges.
It's better to be safe than sorry—especially when it comes to customs regulations.
What are your thoughts on this incident, members? Have you ever had a similar experience with customs regulations? Share your stories in the comments below.
The Hollywood icon and former California governor had an unexpected incident wherein he was detained by airport officials in Germany.
But it wasn’t because of disorderly conduct or even contraband—it was all because of a watch.
Schwarzenegger, 76, was held in the customs area after arriving from the US, according to Munich Main Customs Office spokesman Thomas Meister.
The watch in question, an Audemars Piguet timepiece, is reportedly worth a staggering €26,000 ($43,000).
The actor had plans to auction the watch to raise funds for his climate crisis charity, a noble cause that unfortunately ran afoul of customs regulations.
Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger poses for a photo after getting detained in an airport in Munich due to an undeclared watch. Image: Bild
The luxury watch was discovered during a routine search of Schwarzenegger's luggage.
The actor had allegedly failed to declare the watch on his arrival customs form, a requirement for all goods imported into the EU.
'We have initiated criminal proceedings under tax law. The watch should have been registered because it is an import,' Customs spokesman Meister said.
He further clarified that this rule applies to everyone, regardless of their celebrity status.
‘If the goods remain in the EU, you have to declare them through customs. This applies to everyone, whether their name is Schwarzenegger or Müller, Meier, Huber.’
Schwarzenegger, however, defended himself in comments made to German tabloid Bild, criticising the German system for its excessive bureaucracy.
'This is the problem that Germany is suffering from. You can no longer see the forest for the trees,' he said.
Despite his good intentions, officials reportedly charged Schwarzenegger €35,000 ($58,000) over the customs breach.
The actor was in Europe to attend the World Climate Summit in the Austrian ski resort of Kitzbühel.
He remained with customs officials while his luggage was checked, a process that took some time, according to Mr Meister. The watch, unfortunately, was expected to stay behind.
The Audemars Piguet timepiece, a bespoke creation made especially for Schwarzenegger by the luxury Swiss watchmaker, was due to be auctioned at a fundraising dinner for Schwarzenegger’s climate initiative.
Items typically auctioned at such events include works of art and signed memorabilia, with the proceeds supporting the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative.
‘The proceeds will support the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, which organises the annual Austrian World Summit climate conference in Vienna and backs climate projects globally,’ the charity says on its website.
‘Schwarzenegger has been fighting pollution and climate change for over 20 years. His approach has always centred around the idea that we need “less talk, more action”’.
When travelling, it's crucial to declare all goods as required by the customs regulations of your destination country. This information is usually available on the country's customs or government website. If in doubt, declare your goods.
Failure to do so can result in penalties, as Schwarzenegger discovered. In some cases, undeclared goods may be confiscated, and serious breaches can even lead to criminal charges.
It's better to be safe than sorry—especially when it comes to customs regulations.
What are your thoughts on this incident, members? Have you ever had a similar experience with customs regulations? Share your stories in the comments below.
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