U.S. Prosecutors Want Boeing Slapped With Criminal Charges

US prosecutors have recommended that the Justice Department (DOJ) bring criminal charges against Boeing, João da Silva reported for BBC News.

The DOJ has until July 7 to make a final decision on whether to prosecute Boeing or not. I Photo: The Boeing Company

It comes after the DOJ said the plane maker had violated a settlement related to two fatal crashes involving its 737 Max aircraft, which the firm denied, CBS News also reported.

The recommendation is not a final decision, and the details of any potential criminal action were not known, CBS said. The DOJ has until July 7 to make a final decision on whether to prosecute Boeing or not, CBS News also reported.

"This is a really critical decision that is coming up,” said Ed Pearson, who is the executive director of the Foundation for Aviation Safety (FAS) and a former senior manager at Boeing.

"There are issues with these airplanes, we’re seeing problems with these planes, and I’m talking about 737 Max, 787, and it is reflective of the leadership," he added.