I believe that this has been the case for some time, but given the context of an authoritarian government I am rather worried about this line of thinking by the government today.

I would prefer that they expand on exactly what they mean by criminal behaviour, because, even the police can engage in some criminal behaviours in their occupation as long as it's sanctioned and it has a limit.

I "know a guy" who worked in CID and it was the case they had more authority to do things unsanctioned. Much more than the standard investigators associated with the police were permitted without formal approval. I sincerely hope that is not the case when you go deeper into the secret services.