Keep in mind that the bit about the Chinese famine was in a letter written by Fish. I suspect that it was simply one of his delusions.
How about Ira Einhorn, The Unicorn Killer? He was a very popular, charismatic figure in the 60’s counterculture in Philadelphia. He was so charismatic that he made bail due to the parade of high-profile high-caliber businessmen, politicians, clergy, etc. who spoke on his behalf. And this was after the body was found in his trunk in the back of his closet in his apartment after the neighbors had complained about the odor for months! Imagine convincing a judge to set bail (at only $40,000!) under those circumstances. And a wealthy socialite paid the bail. Now thats charisma! He fled the country and was only recently discovered and extradited from France.
How do you define the “smartest?” Stayed away from the law for the longest time? Scammed the most money? Cleared himself of enough evidence that he can’t be convicted?