I don't think the CIA encourages the acquisition of drug trafficing, drug using, mob involvement, gang involvement, and other illegal skills in the building of a resume.

But I understand the skills or contacts you gained while associating with these people may be of use. 

However, your involvment with the Zapatistas wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, since they are a non-forceful democratic-movement group. But I don't know for sure.

It will probably come down your honesty of being involved with these activities, VS. the recentness of your involvement in these activities.

Maybe they like people who can inject themselves into these cultures after they are being monitored in an official capacity, rather than get involved illegally, and make ammends after the fact by trying to work for the CIA.

Your guess is as good as mine, but I don't think this is like the movies. I definitely know in the movies that if you are involved in this stuff, the best thing they are allowed to do is 'turn' you to get information, but you are still going to prison, or to witness protection. You usually can't turn being the head of the NY mob into a federal job with benefits.  

I guess that one guy from 'Catch Me If You Can' did get to work the FBI when he was busted for check forgery to the tune of a couple million dollars. However that was an extreme case, like most, and I don't know if your skills are rare enough to warrant the risk of giving someone with your perceivable character a job in intelligence gathering.

From the CIA's vantage point, what is to say you won't start embezzling money to gain experience so you can help find crooks with the SEC on Wall Street? (an example of you using the ends to justify the means).

Randy

i want to ask is anyone who has passed FIA eligible for CIA?