Crossword Genius

Partner is criminal type (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

consort

'partner' is the definition.
(I know that consort is a type of partner)

'criminal type' is the wordplay.
'criminal' becomes 'con' (abbreviation for 'convict').
'type' becomes 'sort' (both can mean a kind or variety).
'con'+'sort'='CONSORT'

'is' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for consort that I've seen before include "A monarch's spouse" , "Habitually associate (with)" , "Companion; ship sailing with another" , "Small group; spouse" , "Group playing music" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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