This minor criminal is an old forger (9)
I believe the answer is:
ironsmith
'an old forger' is the definition.
'ironsmith' can be an answer for 'forger'. I am not sure about the 'an old' bit.
'this minor criminal' is the wordplay.
'criminal' indicates anagramming the letters.
'this'+'minor'='thisminor'
'thisminor' with letters rearranged gives 'IRONSMITH'.
'is' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ironsmith that I've seen before include "Master forger" , "Metalworker" .)