On June 5, 2023, the United States classified two powerful Brazilian criminal organizations, Comando Vermelho (CV) and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation challenges the Brazilian government’s position, which opposes such labels.
The Role of the U.S. in Addressing Criminal Organizations
According to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both CV and PCC are among the most violent criminal groups in Brazil. Together, they consist of thousands of members and have carried out brutal attacks against police, public officials, and civilians.
Rubio stated that their influence extends far beyond Brazil’s borders, affecting not only neighboring regions but also the U.S. The new designation restricts members from entering the United States and prohibits any financial transactions with these organizations.
Background on Brazilian Criminal Gangs
- Comando Vermelho (CV) and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) originated in the Brazilian prison system.
- Both gangs are heavily involved in cocaine trafficking, collaborating with the Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta mafia to transport drugs from South America to Europe.
- Initial coexistence between these groups turned into violent confrontations over control of drug supplies from the Amazon, particularly at the Colombia-Bolivia border.
Political Context
The U.S. move comes amidst a backdrop of political tensions in Brazil. Flavio Bolsonaro, a conservative presidential candidate and son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, had recently asked President Donald Trump to label these organizations as terrorist groups during an informal meeting.
This meeting highlights support for the Bolsonaro family from the Trump administration, although it lacks a public endorsement. Currently, Flavio Bolsonaro is competing closely against sitting President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the polls.
President Lula’s government has strongly opposed the U.S. designation, fearing it could lead to potential military intervention. Lula expressed his concerns directly to Trump during their recent White House meeting.
U.S. Military and Law Enforcement Actions
In recent months, the U.S. has ramped up efforts against drug trafficking in the Pacific and Caribbean regions. These efforts primarily target vessels participating in drug trafficking operations that supply the United States.
Trump has collaborated with several Latin American countries, including Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala, to conduct joint operations against narcotraffickers. In March, he announced a “military coalition” aimed at eradicating drug cartels, even indicating a willingness to use missile strikes if necessary, with around twenty Latin American partners involved.
