20-6-2024 (WASHINGTON)Â Relatives of those lost in the two deadly Boeing 737 MAX crashes have implored the U.S. Justice Department to pursue an unprecedented multi-billion dollar penalty against the planemaker and bring criminal charges over the fatal episodes.
In a letter dated June 19th, family members representing the victims called on federal prosecutors to seek a colossal $24.78 billion fine from Boeing and move forward with criminal prosecution. The staggering sum represents a fraction of the aviation giant’s $142 billion market capitalization.
The appeal comes after the Justice Department concluded last month that Boeing violated the terms of a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement stemming from the 737 MAX disasters in 2018 and 2019 that claimed 346 lives. Boeing maintains it upheld the deal.
Federal prosecutors now face a July 7th deadline to inform a Texas judge whether they intend to reopen a criminal case against the company and potentially negotiate a new plea bargain.
