This happens rarely, and if it happens, the chances of it being someone we know from the media are almost 0; that would be all under the table. The "best" are the ones you don't hear about because they are too busy working on actual stuff, same in most science fields.

Most of them are recruited in "normal" ways; there is much more talent around these days. No need to engage with criminals and put them on actual sensitive stuff. Also, they get paid more than you might think; the people leading these projects are not stupid and make a simple mistake like underpaying talent they still need.