Foreign terrorist organisations: US designates Brazil’s PCC and Red Command gangs

The US State Department has designated two Brazilian criminal groups—First Command of the Capital (PCC) and Red Command (CV)—as foreign terrorist organisations. The move comes as Brazil heads towards an October presidential election, where public security is expected to be a key issue. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva opposes terrorism labels for gangs.

The US State Department designated two Brazilian criminal groups as foreign terrorist organisations on Thursday. The move takes effect on June 5. It lands as Brazil moves towards an October presidential election. Supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro have pushed for the designation. They have criticised President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s public security approach.

The two groups are the First Command of the Capital, or PCC, and Red Command, or CV. Experts said the gangs likely have more than 50,000 members combined. The designation marks a tougher stance on organised crime. It also adds pressure on Brazil’s leaders over rising security concerns.

Foreign terrorist organisations designation and Brazil election politics

Public security is expected to be a key dividing issue in Brazil’s October presidential contest. Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, described as a handpicked heir, is set to face Lula. Jair Bolsonaro, aged 71, cannot run. Jair Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year prison sentence for leading a coup attempt.

Lula is seeking reelection and has tried to strengthen anti-crime credentials. Lula has openly opposed calling criminals terrorists. Bolsonaro’s supporters in Congress have urged Trump to take stronger action against the gangs. The debate has sharpened attacks on Lula’s public security policies during the campaign period.

Foreign terrorist organisations designation and US strategy in Latin America

Designating Latin American criminal cartels as foreign terrorist organisations has been used by Trump’s administration. The approach has linked drug control to military action. It has also included other aggressive steps in the Western Hemisphere. Officials have pointed to deadly boat strikes against "narcoterrorists\" in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

Foreign terrorist organisations designation and PCC, CV enforcement actions

Experts said neither Jair Bolsonaro nor Lula was highly successful against PCC and CV. Still, Brazil’s federal police and prosecutors have carried out raids in recent years. Authorities reported a major win in August. Investigators dismantled part of a PCC money-laundering network tied to gas stations and perfume shops.

Police said the same network also involved a financial services company. The firm was based on one of Sao Paulo’s main arteries. Federal police said the operation was called Hidden Carbon. Investigators found companies linked to PCC laundering at least 6 billion reals, or USD 1.1 billion.

The US designation adds an international layer to Brazil’s fight with PCC and CV. The move also arrives as candidates clash over crime and policing. With the change starting on June 5, the political impact may carry into October. Brazil’s recent raids show ongoing pressure, even as gangs remain influential.

With inputs from PTI