IM Motors raised over $1.1bn in new equity financing that included significant investments from state-backed entities such as Bank of China's asset management unit, Agricultural Bank of China's investment arm, and Shanghai government-backed Lingang Group. This infusion of capital reflects a form of economic collaboration with authoritarian regime-linked investors, raising concerns about the company's role in reinforcing state influence.

A comprehensive Human Rights Watch report exposes systemic forced labor abuses in the aluminum supply chains integral to the Chinese automotive industry. While IM Motors is not explicitly mentioned, as a Chinese new energy vehicle startup it risks complicity if it does not implement rigorous due diligence and responsible sourcing practices to ensure its supply chains are free from such abuses.

IM Motors, a Chinese new energy vehicle startup, is potentially implicated in forced labor practices within its aluminum supply chain. The company may be under pressure similar to other Chinese carmakers that have been reported for succumbing to government pressure, resulting in weak oversight of labor practices in Xinjiang.