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A criminal picked up in response to a telephone call (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

receiver

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'a criminal' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

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(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" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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