Evil carrying on with a criminal (7)

I believe the answer is:

illegal

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'criminal' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'evil carrying on' is the wordplay.
'evil' becomes 'ill' (I've seen this in another clue).
'carrying on' becomes 'egal' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'ill'+'egal'='ILLEGAL'

'with a' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for illegal that I've seen before include "Black" , "Not in conformity with law" , "Unauthorised" , "Against the rules" , "Contraband" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.

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