The U.S. Justice Department announced that Boeing violated a 2021 settlement related to its employees' role in two fatal 737 MAX crashes.

This violation exposes Boeing to potential criminal prosecution.

In the 2021 settlement, Boeing admitted that two employees misled federal air-safety regulators but entered a deferred prosecution agreement, avoiding immediate prosecution.

Recent issues, including a fuselage panel blowing off an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX and allegations of skipped inspections and falsified records on 787 Dreamliners, have prompted a new criminal investigation.

The Justice Department could extend Boeing's probation or seek a guilty plea.

Boeing has until June 13 to challenge the department's findings, though the company maintains it has honored the settlement terms.