Same shady characters on the net! (4)
I believe the answer is:
mesh
'the net' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'same shady characters' is the wordplay.
'characters' indicates a hidden word (some letters or characters from the clue).
'MESH' is hidden within 'same shady'.
'on' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for mesh that I've seen before include "Become entangled - become engaged" , "Piece of netting" , "Grid, netting" , "Engage; net" , "Interlock" .)