Boeing is reportedly close to reaching a non-prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice concerning the tragic 737 MAX crashes that claimed 346 lives in 2018 and 2019. This agreement, if finalized, would enable Boeing to sidestep a criminal trial, thereby avoiding a guilty plea and its repercussions, according to Reuters.
As part of the prospective deal, Boeing may contribute an additional $444.5 million to a victims' fund, which supplements the $500 million previously paid in 2021. This comes after a previous plea deal, potentially amounting to $487.2 million in penalties, was rejected by a judge last December. The rejection was based on concerns regarding the selection of an independent monitor, highlighting the complexity and sensitivity of the ongoing proceedings.
Victims' families and their legal representatives have voiced criticism toward the Department of Justice, accusing it of undue leniency towards Boeing, despite allegations of severe misconduct. While the possibility of a non-prosecution agreement looms, the DOJ has yet to make a definitive decision, with discussions still in progress and no formal documentation exchanged as of now.