PCC and CV: US goal is to break up illicit financial networks, says spokesperson
The United States' decision to classify the PCC (Primeiro Comando da Capital) and the CV (Comando Vermelho) as terrorist organizations raised concerns in Brazil about possible impacts on the national financial system, including Pix. In an interview with Live CNN, Amanda Roberson, spokesperson for the US State Department, clarified the practical effects of the measure.
According to Roberson, one of the tools released by the designations is the possibility of blocking any type of transaction with criminal groups. However, she did not comment specifically on Pix's situation. "Implementation of these designations is the responsibility of the Treasury Department," he said.
She explained that the department will be responsible for carrying out analyzes and investigations, without it being possible to comment on specific cases.
Roberson highlighted that the central purpose of the measure is to break the illicit financial networks used by the PCC and the CV to finance their operations. "The purpose and goal of these designations is to disrupt the illicit financial networks that these groups use to finance their operations," the spokeswoman said.
Cooperation between the US and Brazil will continue
Faced with the fear of Brazilian investigators that the designation could restrict the sharing of information between the two countries, Amanda Roberson was categorical in stating that cooperation will not be interrupted.
"The United States and Brazil have extensive cooperation in the area of security. We have more than nine federal agencies of the United States government cooperating in Brazil with the authorities, and this cooperation will continue", he stated.
The spokesperson also highlighted that the activities of the PCC and CV go beyond Brazilian borders. According to her, there is evidence of these factions operating in 12 North American states.
"These two groups are not only operating within Brazil. Their activities extend beyond Brazilian borders into other countries," said Roberson, adding that cooperation between the two countries is, therefore, fundamental.
Action as a national security priority
Roberson confirmed that the US has evidence of the PCC and CV acting in North American territory, as well as other large cartels and criminal organizations in the hemisphere.
"That's why it was a very important priority for President Donald Trump to take this action to protect our national security," the spokeswoman concluded.
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Source: CNN