Criminal masculine element (10)

I believe the answer is:

malefactor

'criminal' is the definition.
(I know that criminal can be written as malefactor)

'masculine element' is the wordplay.
'masculine' becomes 'male' (associated in meaning).
'element' becomes 'factor' (synonyms).
'male'+'factor'='MALEFACTOR'

(Other definitions for malefactor that I've seen before include "Wrongdoer" , "Sinner" , "culprit?" , "One doing wrong" , "Criminal, evil-doer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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