Department OfJustice Weighs Possible Prosecution of Boeing Over 737 Max Crashes

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is contemplating whether to bring charges against Boeing following two fatal crashes involving its 737 Max aircraft.

Boeing Airplane on flight

The aviation giant is accused of violating the terms of a 2021 agreement that had protected it from criminal charges related to these incidents, the DOJ announced. Boeing, however, denies any breach of this agreement.

The tragic crashes in Indonesia (2018) and Ethiopia (2019) resulted in the loss of 346 lives.

According to the DOJ, Boeing did not "design, implement, and enforce a compliance and ethics program to prevent and detect violations of US fraud laws throughout its operations."

Boeing expressed its eagerness to address the DOJ's concerns, maintaining that it has adhered to the agreement's terms.

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Under the 2021 deal, Boeing paid a $2.5 billion (£1.98 billion) settlement, with prosecutors agreeing to recommend dropping a criminal charge after three years.

The DOJ has given Boeing until June 13 to respond to these allegations, indicating that their response will be considered in determining the next steps.

Families of the crash victims are advocating for criminal charges against the company.

“This is a positive first step, and for the families, a long time coming. But we need to see further action from DOJ to hold Boeing accountable,” stated Paul G. Cassell, a lawyer representing the victims' families.

Boeing continues to face scrutiny over the safety of its aircraft. In January, an unused door detached from a new 737 Max shortly after takeoff, creating a significant hole in the side of the plane.