Key facts
- US classified two Brazilian gangs, First Capital Command (PCC) and Red Command (CV), as terrorist organizations.
- These gangs do not operate within the United States.
- The decision is seen by some as a political attempt to influence Brazil's election.
- The gangs join eight other Latin American organized crime groups previously designated by the US.
The United States has designated two major Brazilian criminal organizations, the First Capital Command (PCC) and the Red Command (CV), as foreign terrorist organizations. This move, which includes groups that do not operate within the US, is interpreted by some Brazilian politicians and analysts as a politically motivated action by the Trump administration to influence the upcoming Brazilian elections by supporting an ally.