US designates Brazil's PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorist organizations

The United States, through a notice in the Federal Register signed by State Secretary Marco Rubio, officially classified Brazil’s Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. The designation took effect on 5 June 2024 and cites the groups’ trans‑national drug trafficking, arms smuggling and the risk they pose to U.S. security and economic interests.

The designation expands U.S. legal tools: assets linked to the groups can be frozen, U.S. persons are barred from providing material support, visas can be denied, and banks and companies with U.S. exposure must tighten compliance and due‑diligence. Brazilian firms in sectors such as finance, logistics, energy and real‑estate are reviewing partners to avoid secondary sanctions.

Brazil’s government has protested, arguing the move infringes sovereignty and will not change domestic criminal classifications. The Federal Police called the terrorist label a “technical mistake,” noting that the groups pursue profit rather than ideology. The decision has sparked political debate in Brazil and raised concerns about diplomatic friction and the possible impact on trade, investment and the Brazilian financial system.