Brazilian prosecutors are suing BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, and two contractors for alleged human trafficking and "slave-like" conditions at a factory construction site in Camacari. 220 Chinese workers were rescued from the site, where they faced cramped living conditions, passport confiscation, illegal employment contracts, excessive work hours, and significant salary withholding. The Public Labour Prosecutor's Office (MPT) is seeking $45.5 million in damages. BYD, which has not yet commented, has previously stated a zero-tolerance policy for human rights violations. The factory, BYD's first outside Asia, was slated to open in March 2025.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.