A criminal picked up in response to a telephone call (8)
I believe the answer is:
receiver
'a criminal' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for receiver that I've seen before include "One is appointed to liquidate or preserve assets" , "Communications device" , "Person dealing with property of bankrupt" , "Part of telephone held to ear" , "One buying stolen goods" .)