Roth, like some other smart gangsters, lived modestly so he wouldn't call attention to himself--more likely he had a "legitimate" income source that he declared on his income tax return, and lived within it.

But, as you say, what's the point, after taking all those risks? Consider Vincent (the Chin) Gigante avoided prosecution for decades by pretending to be non compos mentis--walking around NYC in pajamas and robe, talking to trees, pissing in the street. What a life!