Two Brazilian groups, Comando Vermelho (CV) and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), will be designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) by the U.S. State Department, beginning today. Any person who knowingly engages in financial transactions with the group risks criminal liability.
“CV and PCC are two of the most violent criminal organizations in Brazil. Together, they command thousands of members and have orchestrated brutal attacks against Brazilian police officers, public officials, and civilians. Their influence and illicit networks extend far beyond Brazil’s borders, across our region and into our country,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a May 28 press release. The groups will also be labeled Specially Designated Global Terrorists as well, he added.
