# Terrorist designation of Brazilian criminal factions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/terrorist-designation-of-brazilian-criminal-factions
> Updated: 2026-10-24T12:30:18.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 3.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Rio de Janeiro legislature moves to label criminal factions as terrorists

Rio de Janeiro's legislature is considering a bill to classify the CV and PCC criminal factions as terrorist organizations, a move experts say may face constitutional challenges.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-legislature-moves-to-label-criminal-factions-as-terrorists

### 2026-10-21: Rio de Janeiro legislative commission approves terrorist designation for criminal factions

Rio de Janeiro's legislative commission approved a bill to classify the CV and PCC criminal factions as terrorist organizations, allowing for new security protocols and military cooperation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-legislative-commission-approves-terrorist-designation-for-criminal-factions

### 2026-10-06: Brazil companies face increased compliance risks following U.S. terrorist designations

The U.S. designation of Brazilian criminal factions PCC and CV as terrorist organizations requires companies to significantly enhance due diligence to avoid legal and financial risks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-companies-face-increased-compliance-risks-following-us-terrorist-designations

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Cite as: Terrorist designation of Brazilian criminal factions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/terrorist-designation-of-brazilian-criminal-factions