Originally Posted by
BBonly
Looking for advice since I don't know where to turn to. It's my year to renew and I am just about ready to reapply but I had a concern that just leaves me completely unsure. Near the end of the application, the form asks if I have violated any customs laws. Back in 2014, I imported some branded game cards that were seized. I ignored the love letter that was sent. It was addressed to my name and address on file with Global Entry. My brother who went to do his interview today did not get an auto renewal, but the interviewer did mention this to him to which he has no knowledge of. He was approved. Now, I am unsure whether or not to say "yes" and possible get denied. Second option is to say no and reveal this if asked during the interview? My intention is not to lie, but it's hard to get a straight answer. I briefly spoke to someone who worked at customs and his answer was to just "be as honest as you can", this answer was the same with a lawyer who deals with Global Entry.
It is obvious that CBP is aware that your (counterfeit?) game cards were seized. Global Entry is a "Trusted" Travelers program. In other words, the CBP trusts Global Entry members to perform their own immigration and customs inspections and follow their rules and regulations. If you hide information which they they know about and deem to be relevant to determine your honesty and trustworthiness, do you think that they will still trust you to conduct your own border inspections when entering the country? I don't.
May I suggest that you check the following threads which have relevant information: