In an unexpected turn of events, Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger has been detained at Munich airport.
This incident has sparked numerous speculations and debates, generating a wave of reactions worldwide.
If you want to know what happened, we’ll delve into the details of Schwarzenegger’s detention and all the circumstances that led to this point.
◍ Arnold Schwarzenegger detained at Munich airport
On January 17, 2024, Arnold Schwarzenegger was detained at Munich airport for failing to declare a luxury watch he brought from the United States.
The detention, which lasted approximately three hours, was due to an investigation into alleged tax evasion, as the watch was intended to be sold within the European Union.
The watch, a custom-made and high-value piece from the watchmaker Audemars Piguet, had an estimated value of at least $50,000 (approximately 46,000 euros).
What is notable about this watch is that it features an image of Schwarzenegger as “The Terminator” on its back and was intended to be auctioned in Kitzbuhel, Austria, about 89 km from Munich.
The funds raised were to be used for climate change initiatives through Schwarzenegger’s non-profit organization, the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative.
◍ Technical glitches exacerbate the problem
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s detention at Munich airport was not only an unexpected event but also led to some comedy-worthy situations.
Initially, the payment of the fine imposed on Schwarzenegger for not declaring the luxury watch became problematic due to technical glitches.
The credit card machine used by customs officials did not work properly, causing an unexpected delay.
To further complicate matters, the search for an alternative solution led Schwarzenegger to face another obstacle: the nearest bank was closed, and ATM withdrawal limits were too low to cover the fine amount.
Finally, after additional waiting, a new credit card machine was brought in, allowing Schwarzenegger to settle the payment. Throughout this process, the actor and former governor displayed a cooperative and understanding attitude, despite the challenging and comical circumstances.
◍ Strict customs law above all
This incident highlights the rigorous enforcement of European Union customs regulations, which require the declaration of any cash or valuable item above 10,000 euros.
The situation, though complicated, was handled with cooperation from Schwarzenegger, who expressed his wish that Germany invest as much energy in reshaping its economy to be more environmentally friendly as it does in applying customs tariffs.
This incident at Munich airport not only underscores the importance of complying with customs laws but also sheds light on Schwarzenegger’s philanthropic work and his commitment to the environment.
Although the situation could have turned into a serious legal inconvenience, it was efficiently resolved, demonstrating the effectiveness of customs systems and the importance of cooperation and understanding in these processes.