In a shocking turn of events, families who lost loved ones in two Boeing 737 Max crashes have come forward to address what they are calling the “deadliest corporate crime in US history.” They are urging the Justice Department to impose the maximum $24 billion fine on Boeing as the company faces a potential criminal trial.
The families have written to the Department of Justice, asserting that Boeing’s recent safety lapses and mishaps constitute a violation of its 2021 agreement. This agreement allowed Boeing to avoid charges for the 737 Max crashes in Indonesia in 2018 and Ethiopia in 2019, which claimed the lives of 346 people.
According to the families’ attorney, the “appropriate action now is an aggressive criminal prosecution” against Boeing, including holding former CEO Dennis Muilenburg accountable. The families stress the urgency of the situation, urging the Department to start prosecutions promptly to avoid any statute of limitations.
In addition to seeking the $24 billion fine, the families have also requested an independent corporate monitor to oversee Boeing’s safety measures and guide the company in its efforts to enhance its quality standards.
Boeing has not yet responded to CNN’s request for comment on the matter.
This latest development comes after the Department of Justice notified Boeing of a breach of its 2021 agreement earlier this year, following an incident involving an Alaska Airlines flight in January.
Boeing, in a statement, maintained that it has upheld its end of the agreement and looks forward to responding to the Department on the issue with transparency.
Current Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun recently testified before senators, expressing remorse to the families of the crash victims and acknowledging Boeing’s imperfections. He emphasized the company’s commitment to rebuilding public trust.
The $24 billion fine, if imposed, would still be less than the $31.9 billion in core operating losses that Boeing has reported since the grounding of its 737 Max planes in 2019. The company has faced significant financial challenges, including direct costs from the grounding and lost sales revenue.
With ongoing scrutiny from the Department of Justice and mounting pressure from families of crash victims, Boeing’s future remains uncertain as it navigates through this turbulent period.
– CNN’s Evan Perez contributed to this report.
