Crossword Genius

A hunt for the den of criminals (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

haunt

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'den of criminals' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both locations as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'a hunt for' is the wordplay.
'a hunt' anagrams to 'HAUNT'.
But, I'm not sure how the anagram is indicated.

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for haunt that I've seen before include "Place one frequents" , "favourite spot" , "place regularly visited" , "Visit as a ghost" , "Unhat (anag.)" .)

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