• Brazilian labor prosecutors have filed a lawsuit against BYD for alleged labor rights violations.
• The lawsuit seeks 257 million reais ($45 million) in damages for human trafficking and "slavery-like conditions."
• 220 Chinese workers were reportedly rescued after an investigation revealed poor living and working conditions.
• BYD is facing allegations of illegal visa use and worker exploitation at a construction site in Bahia.
• The company has previously stated its commitment to labor rights and will respond to the lawsuit in court.

Brazilian labor prosecutors have initiated a public civil action against Chinese carmaker BYD, alleging serious violations including human trafficking and creating "slavery-like conditions" for workers at a construction site in Bahia. The prosecutors are demanding 257 million reais ($45 million) in damages and additional compensation for individuals affected, as stated by the Public Labour Prosecutor's Office (MPT) in Bahia. The lawsuit targets BYD and its two contractors, JinJiang and Tecmonta, involved in building the facility, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

In December, investigations revealed that 220 Chinese workers were subjected to degrading working conditions, including the confiscation of passports, excessive working hours, and minimal access to hygiene facilities. Reports indicate that some workers were found living under substandard conditions, with one toilet shared among 31 people, as reported by Al Jazeera and BBC.

The prosecutors allege that the workers were brought to Brazil illegally and endured conditions that effectively locked them into servitude with up to 70% of their wages withheld. By January, Brazilian authorities had halted construction on the plant after significant concerns arose regarding safety and labor standards, according to Bangkok Post and BBC.

Despite the allegations, BYD has declared a commitment to upholding human rights and cooperating with the labor authorities. However, the company did not provide immediate comments on the lawsuit, with a previous spokesperson suggesting accusations against them were attempts to "smear" Chinese companies. The ongoing legal proceedings will require BYD and its contractors to provide evidence of payments and compliance with labor laws to the affected workers, as per Reuters and Al Jazeera.