Crossword Genius

Bug government agency to catch villain (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cicada

'bug' is the definition.
(cicada is a type of insect)

'government agency to catch villain' is the wordplay.
'government agency' becomes 'CIA' (Central Intelligence Agency).
'to catch' indicates putting letters inside.
'villain' becomes 'cad' (cad can mean a nasty person).
'cia' enclosing 'cad' is 'CICADA'.

(Other definitions for cicada that I've seen before include "Chirpy insect" , "Flier" , "Bug sounding at night" , "Shrill bug" , "jumpy creature" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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