Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger was temporarily detained by customs at Munich Airport because he allegedly failed to declare a valuable luxury watch. However, he was able to continue his journey later in the afternoon, a spokesman for the main customs office in Munich said in the evening. He was also able to take the watch with him. The “Bild” newspaper first reported on the incident.
The film star had the watch with him to auction it off on Thursday at a charity event near Kitzbühel for environmental protection, as the climate initiative he founded announced.
Criminal tax proceedings have been initiated against Schwarzenegger (“Terminator” series, “True Lies”). The Austrian-born US actor had not registered the expensive watch, even though it was apparently supposed to remain in the EU. “If the goods remain in the EU, you have to pay taxes and customs,” said the customs spokesman. “That applies to everyone.”
“A total comedy full of errors”
Schwarzenegger agreed to pay customs for his personal watch in Munich, the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative said at the request of the German Press Agency. “He cooperated at all times, even though it was an incompetent investigation, a total comedy full of errors, but one that would make a very funny police film,” the statement said.
According to customs, the case is likely to have criminal consequences for Schwarzenegger. “We have taken up the matter. The case is now going to the responsible penalty and fine office in Augsburg,” said a customs spokesman.
“We hope Germany invests as much energy in restructuring its economy and making it more ecological as it does in imposing tariffs on people’s property,” said Schwarzenegger’s climate initiative. The proceeds from the auction will benefit climate projects. The actor also wants to attend the Hahnenkamm race in Kitzbühel, Austria, this weekend.
