Boeing pleads guilty to fraud conspiracy avoiding criminal trial

Boeing has agreed to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge in connection with two fatal crashes by its 737 Max planes that happened in 2018 and 2019 and killed 346 passengers and crew, the BBC writes.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) said the plane-maker had also agreed to pay a criminal fine of $243.6 million.

However, the families of the victims say that this would allow Boeing to avoid full responsibility for the deaths.

By pleading guilty, Boeing will avoid a criminal trial – something that victims’ families have been pressing for.