US targeting of Brazilian gangs is an attempt to sway election there, experts say

The United States has designated Brazil's two largest criminal organizations, the First Capital Command (PCC) and the Red Command, as foreign terrorist organizations. This announcement, made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is seen as a setback for Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who had opposed the designation, and a boost for his far-right challenger, Flávio Bolsonaro. Both groups originated in Brazilian prisons and are now major criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking. Lula had argued the designation was an affront to Brazilian sovereignty, while Bolsonaro, who recently met with Rubio in the US, celebrated the decision. The practical consequences of the designation remain unclear, but it is viewed as part of the US "war on drugs" in the region.

The Trump administration announced its intention to designate two major Brazilian criminal organizations, Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho, as "terrorist" organizations, effective June 5th. This designation, building on a prior "Specially Designated Global Terrorists" classification, aims to block the groups' access to US assets and is framed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a measure to protect US citizens and national security interests. Critics suggest this move, part of Trump's broader strategy in Latin America, could be a pretext to expand US military influence. The decision comes amid a heated presidential election in Brazil, with President Lula da Silva reportedly attempting to dissuade the US administration from this action due to concerns about potential repercussions for entities interacting with the designated groups.

The United States has designated two major Brazilian crime groups, the Red Command (CV) and the First Capital Command (PCC), as terrorist organizations. This decision was announced on Thursday by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that these groups are among the most violent in Brazil and have extensive illicit networks extending beyond its borders into the region and the United States. Rubio further noted that the CV and PCC command thousands of members and have carried out violent attacks against Brazilian law enforcement, public officials, and civilians. The designation was made despite opposition from Brasilia.