Crossword Genius

Swindlers, at least eight, after dope ... (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spivs

'swindlers' is the definition.
(a spiv is a disreputable person)

'at least eight after dope' is the wordplay.
'at least eight' becomes 'IVs' (more than one IV - four in Roman numerals).
'after' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'dope' becomes 'sp' (betting slang for SP, starting price).
'ivs' put after 'sp' is 'SPIVS'.

(Another definition for spivs that I've seen is " WWII black marketeers".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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