US Designates Brazilian Gangs as Terrorist Organizations Amid Political Allegations

The US has classified two Brazilian gangs as terrorist organizations, with experts suggesting it's a political move aimed at bolstering allies of US President Donald Trump in Brazil.

Mon Jun 01 2026

Controversial Designation of Brazilian Gangs

The United States has classified two major Brazilian gangs, the PCC (First Capital Command) and CV (Red Command), as terrorist organizations. This designation adds them to eight other Latin American organized crime groups listed by the US as foreign terrorist organizations. Notably, unlike the others, these gangs do not operate within the United States. Politicians and analysts suggest that this move is a political one, intended to boost allies of US President Donald Trump in Brazil.

Allegations of Election Interference

Some experts believe that the action is aimed at empowering Jair Bolsonaro's son and other allies of Donald Trump in Brazil. They argue that the US decision could be an attempt to sway election outcomes in Brazil, suggesting that it's less about counter-terrorism and more about political maneuvering.

*Source: SCMP (2026-06-01)*

Tags: #Brazil #US #gangs #terrorist-organizations #politics