There's so many legal ways this guy could make just as much money with his skills. I never understood why someone is willing to put his freedom at risk when that is the case.

I guess he's just lazy or thinks he's incapable of making as much as easily legally, maybe he likes the thrill and challenge of it all, maybe he thinks he's invincible and there's zero chance of him getting caught. Either way he's very foolish for continuing to do this especially if he has no endgame in sight.