At the end of the 1990s, surveillance gained in importance at the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS). This was against a backdrop of increasingly organised and conspiratorial criminals. In response, the FCA set up a special unit: Mobile task force: MEK HELVETIA
The special unit is attached to the Prosecution Directorate and primarily supports its operational units. MEK HELVETIA carries out time-consuming and geographically complex surveillance, participates in searches and takes on security tasks. Due to this wide range of assignments, the special unit was designed as a mobile task force. The legal basis for MEK HELVETIA's activities can be found in the Customs Act.
MEK Helvetia candidates have to undergo a comprehensive assessment. The prerequisite is successful completion of basic training with the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. The members of the MEK HELVETIA task force undergo continuous further training and also act as instructors for shooting skills, construction tactics, self-defence or as operational technicians.
