Terrorist designation of Brazilian criminal factions

The classification of the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV) as terrorist organizations has moved from international diplomatic and financial spheres into domestic legislative action in Brazil.

Following the United States' designation of these groups as foreign terrorist organizations, legal experts warned that Brazilian companies face heightened compliance risks. The shift necessitates deeper due diligence to prevent providing material support to groups that have become integrated into the formal economy. Experts note that the difficulty lies in tracing these organizations within supply chains, which moves organized crime from a purely policing matter to a central issue in financial, diplomatic, and geopolitical agendas.

In response to these developments, the Constitution and Justice Commission of the Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly (Alerj) approved Bill 7.774/2026. This bill seeks to classify the CV and PCC as terrorist groups at the state level, which would authorize specific combat protocols for public security agencies and allow for cooperation with the Armed Forces. The proposal, authored by members of the Liberal Party (PL), must now face a vote in the plenary before being sent to the governor for sanction or veto.

While proponents argue the measure is necessary to combat factions using war-grade weaponry and claim states have authority as long as they do not conflict with federal law, critics suggest the bill may face challenges in the Supreme Federal Court (STF). Legal experts argue that the power to legislate on criminal law belongs exclusively to the federal government under the Brazilian Constitution.