Brazilian Finance Minister Dario Durigan announced plans to meet with US officials this week regarding the classification of criminal groups as international terrorist entities. Durigan expressed concerns that designating gangs like Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho as terrorists could lead to sanctions affecting Brazil’s financial system, particularly the Pix instant payment platform.
Durigan, in an interview with CBN radio, highlighted potential repercussions for Brazilian financial institutions and the operation of Pix if the US proceeds with this classification. Although acknowledging the disruptive impact of these criminal groups within Brazil, Durigan emphasized that they do not meet the criteria to be labeled as international terrorist organizations under US law.
The Brazilian government is actively working to mitigate any economic risks associated with this potential designation and safeguard the functionality of Pix, a central bank-backed digital payment system widely used in the country. Durigan also connected this issue to a broader trade dispute initiated by the US, citing concerns over the implications for bilateral trade, including specific complaints related to Pix.
Durigan raised skepticism about the technical basis of allegations regarding unfair trade practices, expressing apprehension about the economic consequences of potential US actions on Brazil. This comes in the aftermath of previous trade tensions, including significant tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump on Brazilian exports in August 2025, which lasted for nearly four months.
