Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa officially launched the Scorpions replacement, to be known as the Hawks, at a function in Midrand on Monday.
"We expect the unit to zoom in on the activities of criminals and destroy their networks, at home and globally," said Mthethwa.
A case load of 288 investigations was symbolically handed over to Anwa Dramat, the head of the new Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
Mthethwa said almost all the investigators from the Scorpions (the Directorate of Special Operations) moved over to the new unit.
"We are encouraged that most investigators opted to join the new unit."
The launch marked the end of years of hostility from some quarters towards the Scorpions.
The ruling African National Congress adopted a resolution in 2007 to create the new unit within the police, moving it out of the justice department.
Two laws, the SA Police Services Amendment Act and the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act, had been passed in Parliament to allow its creation.
According to the new laws, the new unit became operational on Monday.
Sapa
