U.S. prosecutors recommend criminal charges against Boeing for allegedly violating a 2021 settlement related to two fatal 737 MAX crashes. The Justice Department must decide by July 7 whether to prosecute. The 2021 deal, which included a $2.5 billion settlement, protected Boeing from a fraud conspiracy charge if it overhauled compliance practices. Prosecutors argue Boeing breached this agreement. Potential resolutions include extending the settlement, new terms, or criminal charges. Boeing, disputing the breach, may accept penalties but resists a guilty plea due to potential business impacts. Families of crash victims urge significant fines and prosecution.
