The United States Justice Department is pressuring Boeing to plead guilty to criminal fraud related to two fatal crashes involving its 737 Max planes. The proposed offer includes an independent monitor to ensure compliance with anti-fraud laws. If Boeing rejects the offer, the Justice Department will pursue a trial.
Families of the crash victims were informed of the plea offer during a tense video meeting, with many expressing anger and disappointment. Some believe the deal lets Boeing off the hook for its role in the accidents that claimed 346 lives. Lawyers for the families are calling the plea offer a “sweetheart deal” that fails to hold Boeing accountable.
The potential plea deal could impact Boeing’s federal contracts, but the company may receive waivers to maintain eligibility. Boeing previously paid a $244m fine for the fraud charge in 2021 and may face a similar penalty under the new offer.
The families are unhappy with the proposed monitor selection process and have concerns about the lack of accountability for current or former Boeing executives. The outcome of the plea deal could have implications for other ongoing Boeing investigations.