- Reuters reported that U.S. prosecutors have recommended that the Justice Department file federal criminal charges against Boeing.
- Authorities determined in May that the company violated a 2021 settlement agreement related to two fatal accidents.
- The Justice Department has until July 7 to decide whether to indict Boeing.
U.S. prosecutors have recommended that the Justice Department file federal criminal charges against Boeing for violating the terms of a 2021 settlement related to two deadly crashes, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.
Authorities found in May that Boeing violated the terms of a 2021 settlement related to two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. The $2.5 billion settlement stayed prosecution against the company and shielded it from charges that it defrauded the Federal Aviation Administration as long as it followed strict compliance regulations.
Authorities found that Boeing violated the terms of the agreement, which Reuters reports Boeing denies, meaning charges are now being considered again.
Reuters reported that the Justice Department has until July 7 to decide whether to indict Boeing, but there is no guarantee the agency will move forward with the charges despite the prosecutors' recommendation. The news agency also reported that the Justice Department could extend the existing settlement terms or propose tougher new terms.
Business Insider previously reported that the families of 346 people killed in two 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 are seeking fines of roughly $25 billion from the company.
Representatives for Boeing and the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to Business Insider's requests for comment.
