There’s passage in mishlei (9:17): “Mayim genuvim yimtaku” which simply translated means that even something freely (pun intended) available is perceived as more desirable when obtained illicitly (this was easier to relate to before the age of bottled water).
People think they are smart when they cross the lines of halacha and dina dimalchusah to make themselves richer. That is not only incredibly stupid, but it indicates their bitachon in Hashgochas Hashem to fulfill the gzar din of מזונותיו של אדם קצובים לו מראש השנה עד ראש השנה. I always wondered why people do this, as they are trying to outsmart G-d. Senseless. Actions have consequences. Hashem yeracheim.
The little I know: See this confuses me because Yidden have smuggled klai kodesh, kosher food, and pertinent holiday assortments into certain countries, just this year, to celebrate the chagim.
News outlets make it come across as them being heroes with no choice.