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Arnold Schwarzenegger, the renowned actor and former Governor of California, has encountered a legal hurdle at Munich Airport where he is reportedly being detained and questioned under tax law. The issue revolves around an unregistered luxury watch that Schwarzenegger was planning to auction off. The actor, known for his environmental advocacy, was en route to a climate charity auction in Kitzbühel, Austria.
The luxury timepiece in question is said to be from the Swiss brand Audemars Piguet, known for crafting high-end watches. German media outlet BILD has reported that customs officers at the Munich Airport detained Schwarzenegger upon his arrival from Los Angeles. The actor, who holds dual Austrian and US citizenship, has been waiting for several hours, according to the reports.
The Munich Main Customs Office has initiated criminal proceedings under tax law, asserting that the watch should have been registered as it constitutes an import. A spokesperson for the customs office emphasized that irrespective of one's celebrity status, import regulations must be followed. "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," the spokesperson stated.
The customs officials are currently examining Schwarzenegger's luggage, and this process is expected to take some time. However, it is anticipated that the actor will be permitted to continue his journey after the inspection. Arnold Schwarzenegger has been a long-time enthusiast of luxury watches and is notably associated with the limited edition Royal Oak Offshore 'Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy' model produced by Audemars Piguet in 1999. With only 1,500 units ever manufactured, these watches are valued at over £30,000.
[Source: Daily Mail]
