Overview

• Labour prosecutors in Bahia have named BYD and contractors China JinJiang Construction Brazil and Tecmonta Equipamentos Inteligentes in a suit accusing them of international human trafficking and degrading labour practices
• The complaint asserts that 220 Chinese workers were brought to Camaçari under false pretences with visas mismatched to their assigned roles on the factory site
• Investigators report that workers faced overcrowded housing with minimal hygiene, slept on beds without mattresses, had passports confiscated and endured wage withholdings of up to 70% alongside steep contract termination fees
• The action seeks 257 million reais (about $45 million) in collective damages plus fines of 50,000 reais for each labour law breach affecting individual workers
• BYD has affirmed its commitment to human rights, is cooperating with authorities and will contest the allegations as its Camaçari plant remains suspended pending review