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Brazil Rescues 163 Trafficked Chinese Workers from BYD Factory Site in Bahia

Dec 26, 2024, 10:03 PM

Brazilian authorities have rescued 163 Chinese workers found in 'slavery-like conditions' at a construction site for a factory owned by Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD in Camaçari, Bahia. The workers, identified by the Ministério Público do Trabalho (MPT) as victims of international human trafficking, faced excessive working hours, unacceptable living conditions, and salary reductions of up to 60%. They were employed by Jinjiang Group, a subcontractor hired to build BYD's largest plant outside Asia. BYD has denied the allegations, with its public relations manager Li Yunfei calling the reports intentional defamation, and Jinjiang Group stating that the accusations are 'completely inconsistent with the facts' and resulted from translation misunderstandings. BYD has terminated its contract with Jinjiang Group. The workers are currently being housed in hotels at the expense of BYD and Jinjiang Group and are expected to return to China in January. The incident has sparked controversy and criticism, highlighting concerns over labor practices associated with Chinese companies' overseas investments.