Boeing (BA) is expected to avoid criminal prosecution by the US Department of Justice for breaching a 2021 settlement agreement linked to problems with its 737 Max 8 model, which resulted in two fatal plane crashes in 2018 and 2019, The New York Times reported Friday, citing people familiar with the discussions.
The Justice Department plans to offer Boeing a deferred prosecution agreement which will require the installation of a federal monitor to oversee safety improvements, the report said, citing the people.
Federal prosecutors said in May that Boeing violated the 2021 deferred prosecution agreement by failing to establish an anti-fraud compliance program, prompting the Justice Department to consider criminal charges but officials have opted for an independent watchdog to expedite safety and quality improvements, according to the report.