I’m not a lawyer, but have worked for lawyers for years now. From my non-lawyer experience, I don’t believe avoiding service is illegal in any criminal sense. But, after every attempt has been made to serve a Summons and Complaint - including registered mail - a party can go to the court to show it’s been purposely avoided, and they can get a default, as in this case. At least that’s what I’ve seen in local cases. Rules change from court to court. But avoiding service isn’t criminal, so far as I know.
The nail and wail service as last resort in avoidance cases. Post the summons on the door and go to court.