The United States on Thursday designated two Brazilian criminal groups, the so-called Red Command (CV) and First Capital Command (PCC), as terrorist organizations, despite opposition from Brasilia.
“CV and PCC are two of the most violent criminal organizations in Brazil,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. “Their influence and illegal networks extend beyond the borders of Brazil, in our region and in our country.”
“Together, they lead thousands of members and have organized brutal attacks against Brazilian police officers, public officials and civilians,” Rubio said.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has made clear his opposition to this measure, which has major legal implications in the United States.
The main opponent of the left-wing leader in the next election, Flavio Bolsonaro, who is conservative, has supported the appointment. Bolsonaro met with US President Donald Trump earlier this week.
The United States began designating criminal gangs — such as Mexico’s Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation companies, and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua — as terrorists when Trump took office in January 2025.
