Brazilian labor authorities have alleged that 163 Chinese workers at a construction site for a BYD factory in Bahia are victims of human trafficking. The claims have escalated tensions surrounding the Chinese electric vehicle giant’s operations in its largest overseas market.

By Fabio Teixeira RIO DE JANEIRO/SHANGHAI (Reuters) -Chinese workers at a construction site in Brazil for a factory owned by China's electric vehicle producer BYD are victims of human trafficking, Brazilian labor authorities said on Thursday in a growing controversy in BYD's biggest overseas market.

Authorities in Brazil said Friday they were probing Chinese auto giant BYD and one of its contractors for suspected "trafficking" of Chinese workers who were building a factory in the

Allegations spark tensions as BYD cuts ties with contractor amid labor rights concerns, passport disputes, and China's push for stronger Brazil ties.

By Lisandra Paraguassu BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazil has stopped issuing temporary work visas for BYD, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday, in the wake of accusations that some workers at a site owned by the Chinese electric vehicle producer had been victims of human trafficking.