Boeing's Legal Turbulence: Trial Set for 737 MAX Fraud Case

A U.S. judge has scheduled a June trial for Boeing in a criminal fraud case over alleged misrepresentations of the 737 MAX. The case follows Boeing's July admission of guilt with a $487.2 million fine after two crashes. The plea deal is under reconsideration.

A U.S. judge has set a trial date for June 23 in the Justice Department's criminal fraud case against Boeing. This case arises from accusations that the aerospace giant misled U.S. regulators about a crucial system on the 737 MAX aircraft.

The decision follows an agreement made by Boeing in July to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge. This admission came in the wake of two fatal crashes involving the 737 MAX, for which Boeing agreed to pay a staggering $487.2 million fine.

The plea deal, however, is now in jeopardy. U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor had earlier rejected part of the agreement, pointing out flaws in its diversity and inclusion clause. According to The Wall Street Journal, Boeing is now seeking to withdraw from the established plea agreement.

(With inputs from agencies.)