Depends on the cirumstances. For example, if you have a criminal record, some of big tech is quite a bit less interested in talking to you. Criminal syndicates, obviously, don't consider a criminal record a deal-breaker.

also you might have family and community ties to some of these people. They might groom you since you are an early teen.

When I was 13 for sure being the hacker in a crime organization would have sounded somewhat appealing.

good point

A requirement to be involved in narcotics distribution is inability to think things through very carefully.

Or a lack of other viable options. I would agree with your comment on the whole though. Typically doesn't end well.

I imagine they have way better office parties.