Federal Special Units and Carl Vorsselmans

The Federal Special Units are responsible for high-risk arrests, surveillance of potential terrorists, and the installation of necessary equipment. They represent the heavy arm of the law enforcement. Carl Vorsselmans says: "It's a wonderful job because you deal with the most relevant cases. There are brilliant people in that service. However, the permanent understaffing and stress take their toll on everyone. Previously, you could retire at 54, but that kept getting pushed back. I could have eventually applied for chief commissioner, but did I really want that? That certainly played a role."

It was never Carl Vorsselmans' intention to leave the force. "But during the difficult period of the terrorist threat, in the years 2016-17, I eventually hit a wall. To catch my breath, I bought a small, then still very cheap new-build apartment in Tenerife. I knew Spanish because I studied in Spain for a year through the Erasmus program. The construction itself took about two years. In the meantime, a few friends asked me to help them buy an apartment from the same developer. I did that for free, but apparently the company saw potential in me and suggested I join them. I didn't want to, but subconsciously, it stuck with me."

"I helped a few friends for free with the purchase of an apartment. Apparently, the company saw potential in that and suggested I work for them. I didn't want to, but subconsciously, it stuck with me." - Carl Vorsselmans