The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word RACKETEER
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
R
A
C
K
E
T
E
E
R
More clues leading to the result RACKETEER
- Conman in fuss, always
- Court instrument always finding criminal?
- One profiting illegally from tennis equipment and beers uncovered
- Rogue trader ballyhoo accompanies always
- Criminal's item in court, veneer oddly scratched
- Wide boy always supporting striker in court
- Person guilty of fraud as a tennis player?
- Criminal uproar reheard regularly
- Gangster as tennis player?
- Criminal always appearing after terrible commotion
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Gangster/tennis player?" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case gangster/tennis player? = racketeer.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does RACKETEER mean?
RACKETEER noun- One who commits crimes (especially fraud, bribery, loansharking, extortion etc.) to aid in running a shady or illegal business.
- One who instigates or has involvement with a racket.
- To carry out illegal business activities or criminal schemes.
- To commit crimes systematically as part of a criminal organization.