The U.S. The Justice Department plans to hold Boeing accountable by pursuing criminal charges over its alleged breach of a previous settlement related to two fatal incidents, according to reports from the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Federal authorities are seeking a cooperative plea from Boeing that could result in a $243.6 million fine and lead to the implementation of an independent compliance monitor to ensure the company’s future accountability.
The Boeing Company’s settlement with the Department of Justice was precipitated by two tragic crashes: one in Indonesia in 2017 that resulted in the loss of all 189 lives on board, and another in Ethiopia in 2018, where the fatalities totalled 157 people. In 2021, a controversy emerged when Boeing faced criticism from some lawmakers and relatives of those who lost their lives in connection with its aircraft incidents, only to be shielded from potential legal accountability by swift action taken by the company. The settlement mandated that the planemaker provide evidence and substantiate claims of fraudulent activity, while also enhancing its internal compliance mechanisms, according to the Justice Department’s statement at the time.
A panel detached from an Alaska Airlines-operated Boeing aircraft in January, prompting a series of ongoing investigations into security and compliance matters affecting the company. Four months later, federal authorities filed a court document stating that Boeing’s failure to “design, implement, and maintain” a compliance and ethics programme prevented the detection and prevention of U.S. Operate in strict compliance with anti-fraud legal guidelines throughout all aspects of its operations.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has decided to pursue legal fees against Boeing, requiring the planemaker to accept a plea deal following a thorough review process. The settlement would carry a significant penalty: nearly $250 million in additional fines, according to Bloomberg. Moreover, it could compel Boeing to establish an independent monitor to ensure the company complies with anti-fraud laws, as reported by.
The US Department of Justice informed families of 737 Max crash victims’ legal representatives that a plea deal was offered, with a deadline for Boeing’s acceptance or rejection given at one week, according to reports on Sunday. Boeing declined to comment on the matter.
