The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word CROOKED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
C
R
O
O
K
E
D
More clues leading to the result CROOKED
- What chef did outside recipe is not kosher
- Prepared food without recipe? That’s wrong
- Warped, sick Australian newspaperman
- Warped, like the criminal mind
- There’s no straight solution to this clue
- Twisted about and fleeced
- Dishonest man on board in last month returned
- Piece penned by college journalist showing contortion
- Criminal poached perhaps, stealing rhino horn?
- Dishonest Chennai leader swindled
Buddy explains!

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 CROOKED mean?
CROOKED verb- To bend, or form into a hook.
- To become bent or hooked.
- To turn from the path of rectitude; to pervert; to misapply; to twist.
- Not straight; having one or more bends or angles.
- Set at an angle; not vertical or square.
- Dishonest or illegal; corrupt.