BYD, which has denied allegations and blamed foreign forces for a smearing campaign, moved workers to nearby hotels as Brazilian prosecutors continue their probe

Authorities rescued 163 workers living in inhumane conditions, prompting BYD to sever ties with its construction partner.

BYD has been building the factory with an annual capacity of producing 150,000 cars initially in Brazil, the Chinese EV giant's largest overseas market, as part of plans to start production there.