✓ verbatim from the press
The United States classified the First Command of the Capital (PCC) and Red Command (CV) as terrorist organizations, according to an announcement made by the Donald Trump government on Thursday (28). The two Brazilian factions were added to the list of "Specially Designated Global Terrorists" and, starting June 5, will also be included in the "Foreign Terrorist Organizations" list maintained by the United States. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O anúncio foi feito pelo governo de Donald Trump na quinta-feira, 28. As duas facções já passaram a integrar a lista de "Terroristas Globais Especialmente Designados" e, a partir de 5 de junho, também serão incluídas na relação de "Organizações Terroristas Estrangeiras" mantida pelos Estados Unidos."
The measure allows the American government to expand financial sanctions, surveillance over suspicious operations, and blocking of resources linked to the factions. According to State Department spokesperson Amanda Roberson, PCC and Red Command already have identified operations in 12 American states, but the government did not inform which states these are. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O governo dos Estados Unidos afirmou que o Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) e o Comando Vermelho (CV) já possuem atuação identificada em 12 estados norte-americanos. A informação foi confirmada neste sábado (30) pela porta-voz do Departamento de Estado dos EUA, Amanda Roberson."
The Brazilian government criticized the decision in an official note, treating the episode as a matter of national sovereignty. Finance Minister Dario Durigan expressed concern about possible effects on the Pix system, stating that "one could consider, based on information reaching the United States, that criminal factions are using Pix" and that this could lead to "an attack on Pix" or punishments for companies using the system. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Pode se considerar, a partir de alguma informação que chegue aos Estados Unidos, que as facções criminosas estão usando o Pix. Assim, que haja um ataque ao Pix, uma suspensão, e que empresas que usem o Pix sofram punições", explicou o ministro."
Experts warn that classification as terrorism could hinder traditional police cooperation between Brazil and the US. "With organized crime, the institutions involved are the DEA and also the FBI. For terrorism, you move to the CIA and some military intelligence agencies," explained political scientist Pedro Martins to TV GGN. The change transfers the case from the police field to military intelligence, where national security secrecy prevents information sharing. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Com crime organizado, as instituições que se envolvem são a DEA e também o FBI. Para terrorismo, você já passa para a CIA e algumas inteligências militares. Isso muda o escopo temático, até o orçamento e o campo institucional mudam", explica Pedro Martins."
The decision will take effect on June 5, 2026 for the Foreign Terrorist Organizations category
The measure allows asset blocking and financial sanctions against people linked to the factions
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
The decision was articulated by Jair Bolsonaro's allies with the Trump government
Conflicting versions (1)
Impact on Brazil-US police cooperation
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What is the specific legal basis used by the US for the classification?
Why it's still unknown: Sources mention FTO and SDGT categories but don't cite specific articles of American legislation invoked
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Which are the 12 American states where PCC and CV operate?
Why it's still unknown: The American government confirmed presence in 12 states but didn't disclose which ones, claiming this depends on investigative authorities
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How does Brazil currently legally classify PCC and CV?
Why it's still unknown: Sources mention Brazil treats the groups as 'criminal organizations' or 'criminal factions', but don't cite specific legislation
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Are there precedents of Brazil-US police cooperation being affected by antiterrorism classifications?
Why it's still unknown: Experts warn about possible reduction in cooperation, but sources don't present analogous historical cases