How Boeing defrauded the United States and escaped with a ‘slap on the wrist'

Boeing could face fines of up to $487 million after agreeing to plead guilty to a charge related to the two fatal crashes of its 737 Max plane. Critics argue that the penalty is too lenient given the gravity of the incidents. The charge alleges that Boeing defrauded the Federal Aviation Administration by concealing important information about a design flaw in the 737 Max during its certification. The flaw was linked to crashes in 2018 and 2019 that resulted in 346 deaths and caused the company $32 billion in losses. The fine, initially set at $243 million, could be doubled. Some believe the fine is insignificant considering Boeing’s previous annual revenue of $101 billion and core operating profit of $10.7 billion. Moody’s ratings agency states that the plea agreement will have little effect on Boeing’s finances or operations.