CAMACARI, Brazil — Authorities have located a number of Chinese workers in distress at a construction site for the electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, prompting their relocation to hotels in Brazil’s northeast region.
Local prosecutors have labeled the workers as victims of human trafficking, alleging they were enduring “slavery-like conditions” under the contractor, Jinjiang Group; however, they have not provided substantiated evidence for these claims.
The legal status of the Chinese workers regarding proper documentation and work permits remains uncertain. When contacted, representatives from the Bahia state Labor Prosecutor’s Office stated that an investigation is currently underway, thus refraining from further comments.
On Monday, the prosecutor’s office disclosed details about the discovery of 163 workers and the conditions they were living in, urging BYD to arrange accommodation for them in local hotels situated in Camacari, a city with a population of around 300,000, located about 1,600 kilometers (or 997 miles) from Rio de Janeiro.
A video shared by the prosecutor’s office displayed living quarters at the construction site, showcasing beds devoid of mattresses and basic cooking facilities.
BYD, which stands for Build Your Dreams, is recognized as one of the leading manufacturers of electric vehicles worldwide. Earlier this week, the company announced its decision to “immediately terminate the contract” with Jinjiang Group and is currently “studying other appropriate measures.”
While BYD has not responded to inquiries for further comments, it’s unclear if any charges have been filed by Brazilian prosecutors in this situation. However, the company issued a statement on Thursday disputing the allegations of subpar conditions at the construction site, asserting that the accusations were part of a smear campaign targeting China and Chinese brands.
The facilities where these workers were discovered are anticipated to begin production next year. Community members in Camacari noted that many of the Chinese laborers had arrived and subsequently left the town. Their current whereabouts are uncertain, alongside questions about who is responsible for overseeing their care at this time.
