"since large scale counterfeit operations is one of the few crimes that is an attack on the state itself"

If somebody beats someone else up, to teach him a lesson - this is also a direct attack on the state itself, the monopoly on violence.

But "large scale"? This old man with his crude tools and bad 1 dollar notes?

"The press adored him and the public sympathized with him. "

That is probably the bit, that got them engaged. Cannot have this set as an example that works out for someone.