Dostoyevsky's partner in crime (10)

I believe the answer is:

punishment

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

'crime' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for punishment that I've seen before include "Sanction" , "See 6" , "Penalty" , "That may be fine" , "Discipline" .)

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

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