Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Detention at Munich Airport Due to Possession of High-End Audemars Piguet Timepiece

Arnold Schwarzenegger Detention, the former California governor, was allegedly held and questioned by German customs officials at Munich Airport today, citing “tax law” as the reason. The news was reported by German outlet BILD, which also shared images of Arnold Schwarzenegger inside the customs office.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was apprehended during a customs inspection at Munich airport due to possessing a high-priced Audemars Piguet wristwatch.

Arnold Schwarzenegger asserts that his intention was to sell them at an auction.

It appears that the authorities took issue with Arnold Schwarzenegger carrying a high-end Audemars Piguet watch in his luggage, which he failed to declare. The watch was meant to be auctioned off at a charity dinner tomorrow, marking the start of the Austrian World Summit for climate change in Kitzbühel.

Arnold Schwarzenegger arrived in Munich from Los Angeles at approximately 1:45 p.m. local time. During the customs check, he underwent a routine inspection, during which the officials discovered the timepiece.

“We have initiated legal proceedings for tax evasion. The watch should have been declared as an import,” stated Thomas Meister, spokesperson for the main customs office in Munich, as reported by BILD.

It seems probable that the officials may have chosen to make an example out of Schwarzenegger, as some aspects of the incident resemble scenes from his movies. Allegedly, he was detained for nearly three hours while the officers thoroughly examined the rest of his belongings. According to the German outlet, the star initially cooperated with the process, but as time went on and he risked missing his connection to Kitzbühel, he grew increasingly impatient.

Reportedly, the officers bombarded Schwarzenegger with highly personal inquiries, probing into his children, his net worth, and the amount of liquid cash he possesses. BILD stated, “Schwarzenegger is said to have questioned the necessity of these inquiries, but the officers insisted on receiving answers,” adding that “the actor has sought legal representation.”

According to local reports, it appears that customs officials were divulging information about Schwarzenegger’s detainment in real-time. A spokesperson from Munich’s main customs office confirmed to local outlet SZ that he was indeed in their custody. It is unclear whether this spokesperson is the same individual who spoke to BILD.

The outlet also received an exclusive photo of Schwarzenegger inside the customs office and reported on his plans to attend the Hahnenkamm Race, a prominent Alpine skiing competition, after completing his obligations at the climate summit.

Schwarzenegger apparently explained to the customs officers that he did not declare the watch because it was being auctioned off for charity. However, he was still fined 35,000 euros. Of this amount, 26,000 euros were attributed to the watch’s value, which was from Schwarzenegger’s personal collection and specially designed by Audemars Piguet for the star. Additionally, he was charged 4,000 euros for the item’s tax value and another 5,000 euros in penalties.

Reportedly, the Terminator actor offered to pay the full amount using a credit card, but he was not permitted to do so due to regulations requiring 50 percent of customs fees to be paid in cash. Allegedly, customs officials accompanied Schwarzenegger to a bank where he withdrew the necessary funds, allowing him to continue his journey to Austria.

BILD reported that Schwarzenegger’s partner, Heather Milligan, who had accompanied him from Los Angeles, was not allowed to enter the bank, nor was another associate.

In response to the situation, Schwarzenegger stated to the outlet, “This is the problem that Germany is suffering from. You can no longer see the forest for the trees.”

It remains unclear which timepiece from Schwarzenegger’s extensive collection caused the issue. The star is renowned for his passion for watches and even launched his own limited-edition line with Audemars in 1999. The luxury brand produced only 1,500 pieces of their Royal Oak Offshore “Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy,” which can retail for up to $55,000.

Schwarzenegger has not made any public statements regarding his detainment in Munich. However, according to BILD, the actor promptly lit up a cigar upon his release.

Read More: Emmys Red Carpet: See what Selena Gomez wore to celebrate TV’s biggest night