[...]

A proposed deal by labour prosecutors will be presented to the two firms, which could clear BYD and [its contractor] Jinjiang from an investigation.

But they could still face scrutiny from labour inspectors and from federal prosecutors who have requested the sharing of the evidence.

"Measures can be adopted in the criminal sphere," the prosecutor's office said.

[...]

China's model of taking Chinese workers to the countries where it invests has presented challenges to local employment, a priority for Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

[...]

Backlash on Chinese social media

The case has triggered a rare backlash on Chinese social media against BYD, opening a discussion over worker rights.

Several internet users said living conditions for the workers in Brazil were typical of those seen at construction sites in China.

Brazilian prosecutors released videos of the workers' living quarters, which showed bunk beds without mattresses.

They said the workers laboured for excessively long hours, sometimes seven days a week, in conditions the authorities called degrading.