The US Justice Department is pressuring Boeing to admit to criminal fraud in connection with the tragic crashes of its 737 Max jetliners. Prosecutors are offering a deal that includes a guilty plea and an independent monitor to oversee Boeing’s compliance with anti-fraud laws. This stems from accusations that Boeing misled regulators and set pilot-training requirements for the 737 Max, resulting in the deaths of 346 people in crashes in 2018 and 2019.
Family members of the crash victims were outraged by the proposed plea deal, with some calling it a “new sweetheart deal” that fails to hold Boeing accountable. They want the company to face a criminal trial and pay a hefty fine. The Justice Department has until the end of the week to accept or reject the offer.
Despite facing potential consequences such as losing federal contracts, Boeing may receive waivers to remain eligible for government deals in the event of a conviction. The case could have wider implications, as Boeing must navigate ongoing investigations into its operations.
Additional reporting by Reuters