Brazilian authorities have suspended the construction of a BYD electric vehicle factory after rescuing over 160 workers subjected to ‘slavery-like’ conditions in Bahia. Allegations include withheld passports and salaries, with workers living in degrading environments. BYD has distanced itself from the contractor responsible and has ensured that the affected workers are now accommodated in hotels. The factory, intended to be operational by March 2025, would have marked BYD’s first EV plant outside Asia.