Families affected by the tragic Boeing 737 Max crashes are urging federal officials to impose fine of $24.8 billion on Boeing. They are also calling for swift action to prosecute the company on a criminal charge that was previously deferred.

Families Seek DOJ Action Against Boeing

The families have suggested that the Justice Department consider suspending $14 billion to $22 billion of the fine, with the condition that Boeing allocate those funds towards an independent corporate monitor and other measures to enhance compliance and safety, Reuters reported.

In a letter sent on Wednesday (June 19) to the Justice Department, a lawyer representing the families argued that Boeing's actions constitute the most severe corporate crime in US history, justifying a substantial fine.

According to Paul Cassell, a lawyer, it is his belief that the government should take legal action against the officials who were in charge of Boeing during the crashes in 2018 and 2019, including the former CEO, Dennis Muilenburg. A total of 346 individuals lost their lives in the crashes.

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DOJ Mulls Reviving Fraud Charge Against Boeing Amid New Probe

The families' efforts coincide with the Justice Department's deliberation on whether to pursue a previously inactive fraud charge against Boeing. 

Last month, it was determined by prosecutors that the company had violated a settlement from 2021. This settlement had protected the company from prosecution for allegedly misleading regulators who approved the Max.

The Justice Department must inform a federal judge in Texas by July 7 if it intends to pursue the case further. 

During a hearing on Tuesday (June 18), Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, expressed his belief that there is increasing evidence to support the prosecution of the company, AP reported.

An investigation has been launched by the Justice Department into Boeing following an incident where a door plug blew off a 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. 

The incident sparked a wave of scrutiny towards the company and its outgoing CEO, David Calhoun. During the Senate hearing on Tuesday, Calhoun staunchly defended Boeing's safety record.

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