Brazil Senate pushes terror label for gangs as Bolsonaro scandal deepens

Senator Eduardo Girão (Novo-CE) cited a Quaest poll showing 60% of respondents support classifying the criminal groups Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV) as terrorist organizations, similar to the U.S. designation. He argued the groups operate internationally in drug trafficking, money laundering and arms smuggling, and urged stronger legal tools. Girão’s amendment to equate the factions with terrorist groups was rejected during Senate deliberations on the new anti‑organized‑crime legal framework.

A separate Quaest survey revealed widespread suspicion of Flávio Bolsonaro’s dealings with banker Daniel Vorcaro. Over half of those polled said they were aware of conversations between Bolsonaro and Vorcaro, and a majority considered the request for financing a mistake and suspected illegal involvement in the Banco Master case. The poll also indicated that the scandal negatively affects the Bolsonaro family’s image and reduces voting intent for Flávio Bolsonaro, especially among independent voters.