With no reputation, you’re presumably less likely to have victims pay up. You want to build reputation so you can get consistent profit from these extortions.

Interesting game theory scenario

I don’t know if it’s really that interesting; reputation is just a fundamental currency required to facilitate trade when it can’t be guaranteed otherwise — there is in fact an honor amongst thieves.

These arm-chair game theory arguments tend to fall apart instantly as soon as you assume multiple rounds are played.