Boeing may potentially face criminal prosecution as the Justice Department has stated that the company failed to fulfill its commitment. In the year 2021, Boeing entered into an agreement to evade criminal prosecution related to the tragic incidents of two 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, resulting in the loss of 346 lives.
Biden’s DOJ wrote that “the Government has determined that Boeing breached its obligations” under a deferred prosecution agreement “by failing to design, implement, and enforce a compliance and ethics program to prevent and detect violations of the U.S. fraud laws throughout its operations.”
“For failing to fulfill completely the terms of and obligations under the DPA, Boeing is subject to prosecution by the United States for any federal criminal violation of which the United States has knowledge,” the letter said.
Boeing’s quality control procedures are under scrutiny following an incident involving a Boeing 737 MAX 9 jet. The FBI later informed passengers that they might be crime victims. Whistleblowers and investigators have raised concerns about multiple shortfalls in the company’s quality control procedures.
The Justice Department’s action could result in criminal prosecution over past crashes, potentially leading to significant fines and damage to Boeing’s reputation. Boeing must provide a response by June 13, with a decision on prosecution expected by July 7.
“We believe that we have honored the terms of that agreement, and look forward to the opportunity to respond to the Department on this issue,” Boeing said in a statement. “As we do so, we will engage with the Department with the utmost transparency, as we have throughout the entire term of the agreement, including in response to their questions following the Alaska Airlines 1282 accident.”
According to The New York Times, Paul Cassell, an attorney representing the families affected by the 2018 and 2019 crashes, stated that a meeting between the families and the Justice Department is scheduled for May 31 to discuss the case.
“This is a positive first step and, for the families, a long time coming,” Cassell said. “But we need to see further action from DOJ to hold Boeing accountable.”