I think part of this is a perception issue. Since he did everything basically through his computer, to many people it doesn't feel much different than playing

I think part of this is a perception issue. Since he did everything basically through his computer, to many people it doesn't feel much different than playing an elaborate online game. So many people can envision themselves getting into a similar situation. This case has often been compared to Breaking Bad, where main protagonist starts off with someone that many people can identify with, and it is only through some twisted sequences of fate that leads him to getting deeper and deeper into the criminal world. And it is only really in the last season or two where it finally sinks in that he really is the bad guy.