Crossword Genius

Gangster prevails, conducting many swindles (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hoodwinks

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But I can't explain it at all! Could you help me understand?

(Other definitions for hoodwinks that I've seen before include "Bamboozles" , "gulls" , "pulls a fast one" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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