18 - Summer 2025 Edition

Established in 1972, the Police Special Intervention Unit known as KARHU is a national police tactical unit in the Helsinki Police Department. The unit’s missions primarily involve apprehension of armed and dangerous criminals, hostage rescue crisis management, tactical law enforcement and special operations, counterterrorism, reconnaissance, executive and meeting venue protection. It is also tasked with supporting all police units everywhere in Finland.

While market value of horns, tusks, bones and paws from certain endangered species has created a billion-dollar business attracting international criminal organizations and terrorists, the mission of the South African National Parks (SANParks) Special Operations Unit is to protect the Kruger area from wildlife traffickers and poachers. Assisted by their K9 partners, the Special Rangers are putting their lives on the line in a vast and beautiful but extremely harsh and unforgiving environment.

Within the Taiwanese law enforcement system, the Criminal Investigation Bureau is responsible for the investigation of high-profile crimes, forensics, and computer-related crimes. Even though much smaller in size, it can somehow be compared to the FBI in some of its missions. Headquartered in Taipei, STU is its elite tactical force responsible for the most high risk and dangerous operations all over the country.