not entirely correct, they had large amounts of money moving in and out of there banks accounts but not using moneygram.
It is that easy yes, and people have probably used it for doing the things you have mentioned. I ordered HGH when i was younger using WU, it was the way it was done then. I used to buy steroids (it isn't actually illegal to possess them for personal use), but that was into a bank account of the seller(various) they got busted though in the end!!
When you send large amounts of money or if a person was doing it alot, it will probably get flagged. but i imagine these people use fake ID and change around the places they pick up the money so not to be suspicious, thats what i would do anyway!!
All they have to do is go to a place where its accepted wit h fake ID, i wouldn't say it risky. i wouldn't be surprised if they had people on the payroll either !!!
I have sent money using money gram as a 1st time user and not had call, it was a few quid aswell!!