U.S. designates Brazil's PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorist organizations, defying Lula's opposition

The United States has officially designated Brazil's two most powerful criminal organizations, the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV), as terrorist groups. This unilateral decision by the White House disregards the strong opposition previously expressed by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that both groups are among Brazil's most violent criminal organizations, commanding thousands of members and orchestrating brutal attacks. Their illicit networks extend far beyond Brazil's borders, he noted. The designation involves a two-phase process: initially classifying them as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT), allowing the Treasury Department to freeze assets and sanction associates, followed by their inclusion on the Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) list starting June 5.

This action represents a significant diplomatic snub to Lula da Silva, who had recently met with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss security approaches. Lula argued that while Brazil combats criminality, its national legislation does not equate these groups with terrorists aiming to overthrow the constitutional order. This divergence in views comes amid Brazil's upcoming presidential elections, with the conservative wing, including Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, having previously lobbied the U.S. for this designation.

The U.S. administration's move signals an intensified focus on combating transnational organized crime, potentially impacting regional security dynamics and bilateral relations between the U.S. and Brazil. The designation places PCC and CV in the same legal category as international cartels and groups like Al Qaeda and the Islamic State.

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The CV and the PCC are two of the most violent criminal organizations in Brazil. Together, they direct thousands of members and have orchestrated brutal attacks against Brazilian police, public officials, and civilians. Their influence and their illicit networks extend far beyond Brazil's borders.