US designates two Brazilian criminal groups as terrorist organizations

The United States designated two of Brazil's most powerful criminal organizations as foreign terrorist organizations on Thursday, escalating diplomatic tensions with Brasília over what Brazil considers an infringement on its sovereignty.

The State Department's decision targets Comando Vermelho (Red Command, CV) and Primeiro Comando da Capital (First Capital Command, PCC), Brazil's two largest criminal syndicates known for their extensive drug trafficking operations and violent territorial disputes.

The designation came after Brazilian conservative politician Flavio Bolsonaro directly requested the action during a White House meeting with President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Bolsonaro argued that both groups meet the criteria for terrorist classification based on their criminal activities and organizational structure.

US officials justified the move by citing the groups' transnational criminal networks and the security threats posed by their drug trafficking operations. According to American authorities, both syndicates operate extensive criminal networks that extend far beyond Brazil's borders, posing a threat to regional security and stability.

Comando Vermelho emerged in Rio de Janeiro's prison system during the 1970s and now controls significant portions of the drug trade in the city and other Brazilian regions. The organization is known for its sophisticated structure and its ability to maintain control over favelas and drug trafficking routes. Primeiro Comando da Capital was founded in São Paulo in the 1990s and has evolved into one of South America's most influential criminal organizations, with operations spanning multiple countries.

Brazil's government strongly opposes the US designation, viewing it as an interference in national sovereignty. Brazilian officials argue that combating organized crime is a domestic matter and that the terrorism designation strains diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Brazilian government maintains that it has adequate mechanisms and ongoing operations to address these criminal organizations through its own law enforcement agencies.

The Trump administration has previously used crime and drug trafficking issues as justification for increased US military influence and presence across Latin America. Critics view the current decision as a continuation of this policy, aimed at strengthening America's role in regional security matters and potentially expanding US operational capabilities in the region.

The terrorist organization designation enables the United States to impose additional sanctions and legal measures against the organizations and their associates. American banks and companies are now required to cease all business with the designated groups, and US citizens can face criminal charges for providing material support to these organizations. The designation also allows for enhanced intelligence sharing and coordination with other countries in tracking the groups' activities.

The decision could have far-reaching consequences for US-Brazil relations, particularly since both countries have traditionally cooperated in combating drug trafficking. Security experts warn that the unilateral US action could complicate bilateral cooperation in security matters and potentially undermine existing joint operations against organized crime.

The timing of the designation, closely following Bolsonaro's White House visit, underscores the political dimensions of the decision. Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, is considered a promising conservative presidential candidate and maintains close ties with the Trump administration. His involvement in requesting the designation highlights the intersection of Brazilian domestic politics with US foreign policy decisions.

Both criminal organizations have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability over decades of law enforcement pressure. They have evolved from local prison gangs into sophisticated transnational criminal enterprises with complex hierarchies, financial networks, and territorial control mechanisms. Their influence extends beyond drug trafficking to include arms smuggling, money laundering, and territorial control in urban areas.

The long-term implications of the designation remain uncertain. While the United States argues that the measure will contribute to weakening these criminal networks by restricting their access to international financial systems, critics fear it may increase regional tensions and potentially compromise the effectiveness of international cooperation in crime fighting. The success of this approach will likely depend on the response of other regional partners and Brazil's willingness to continue security cooperation despite the diplomatic friction.