Sao Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas said the U.S. designating the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV) as terrorist organizations would help Brazil combat organized crime.
This shift in classification would fundamentally change the legal tools available to security forces. By treating these factions as terrorists rather than standard criminal enterprises, authorities could access specialized international cooperation, and legal instruments designed to dismantle global terror networks.
During a live interview with Jovem Pan News on March 15, 2026 [2], de Freitas said the potential designation is an opportunity that cannot be missed. He said the move would pressure the factions to lose territory and influence by restricting their financial and operational capabilities through international sanctions.
"The classification helps us fight organized crime," de Freitas said.
The push for this designation comes amid escalating violence involving these groups. A recent operation against the Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro resulted in more than 100 deaths [1], according to state government figures.
While de Freitas views the move as a strategic advantage, the diplomatic reality remains complex. Some reports indicate the U.S. has already moved toward this classification, while others suggest that agreements between Brazil and the U.S. are still being used to pressure for a designation that has not yet been finalized.
De Freitas said the designation allows for greater international cooperation. He said that utilizing counter-terrorism frameworks provides a more aggressive mechanism to target the leadership of these organizations across borders.
“"The classification helps us fight organized crime."”
The proposal to reclassify Brazil's largest criminal factions as terrorist organizations represents a shift toward a 'security-first' approach to public safety. If implemented, it would move the conflict from a domestic policing issue to a matter of international security, potentially granting the U.S. and Brazil broader surveillance and financial freezing powers, though it may also increase diplomatic tension regarding national sovereignty.
