Brazil’s federal police chief has criticized a US decision to designate two major Brazilian criminal gangs as terrorist organisations, saying the move confuses organized crime with terrorism.

The US State Department designated the First Capital Command, known as PCC, and Comando Vermelho, or CV, as terrorist organisations in May. The measure took effect on Friday.

“That classification is a mistake,” Andrei Rodrigues, director-general of Brazil’s Federal Police, told TV Globo on Friday, adding that terrorist groups are driven by ideological or religious goals while criminal gangs seek profit.

Rodrigues said that Brazil’s strategy against the groups will not change. He said federal police will continue targeting the gangs’ finances, leadership and operations, while seeking greater cooperation with Washington on information sharing, arms trafficking and fugitives wanted by Brazil.

The decision comes amid rising tensions between Brazil and the United States, including US tariffs on Brazilian goods and criticism from Washington of Brazil’s judicial system.

• A Tell Media / Xinhua report