Criminals With a High IQ

Being a criminal often requires a twisted kind of intelligence. Many notorious criminals have used their sharp minds for evil, creating dark chapters in history. Here are some criminals whose high IQs and creative genius were used for malevolent purposes. This shows how intelligence can be a double-edged sword.

Take Charles Manson for example. Known for leading the Manson Family cult, Manson orchestrated horrific murders in 1969 and was portrayed in the movie "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" by Quentin Tarantino – whose high IQ is also notorious. With an IQ of 117, Charles Manson used his unsettling charisma and manipulative skills to control his followers and carry out his twisted vision called "Helter Skelter." His dark plans and above-average intelligence made him one of the most terrifying figures of the 20th century.

But he's not even the smartest criminal out there...

Known as the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski waged a bombing campaign against individuals involved with modern technology and industrialization. With an IQ of 167, Kaczynski was a child prodigy, entering Harvard at 16! His intelligence, however, led him down a path of destruction, culminating in a nationwide FBI hunt and his capture in 1996.

Another criminal mastermind is Keith Raniere, the leader of the NXIVM cult. Raniere, who claims an IQ of 240, used his intelligence to manipulate and control his followers under the guise of personal development. His high IQ is often questioned due to his modest academic performance, but his ability to orchestrate such a complex scheme is undeniable.

Nathan Leopold was another criminal with a high IQ of 210. Alongside Richard Loeb, Leopold committed the murder of a young boy named Bobby Franks in 1924, aiming to execute the "perfect crime." His remarkable intelligence took a dark turn, showing, once again, that even the brightest minds can be used for evil.

Finally, we have Charlene Gallego, who, with an IQ of 160, was involved in a series of heinous crimes. Her intelligence didn't lead to greatness but to a dark spree that shocked many.

These criminals show how high IQ can be twisted into something malevolent. Their stories are a chilling reminder that intelligence, when misused, can lead to devastating consequences. Want to learn more about these and other smart yet sinister figures? Check out the table below.

IQ score of the top criminals

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