Step 1: Understand the word.
The word hoodlum refers to a violent or criminal person, especially a troublemaker involved in unlawful activities.
Step 2: Analyze the options.
Pioneer means a person who is among the first to explore or develop something.
Criminal refers to a person who commits crimes, which matches the meaning of hoodlum.
Devotee is someone dedicated to a cause or religion.
Scholar is a learned person, which is unrelated.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct answer is Criminal.