Who paid the largest criminal fine in history
In 2014, Exxon Mobil paid a criminal penalty of $1.7 billion to the U.S. government for violating the Clean Air Act. It is the largest criminal penalty ever paid by a corporation in the United States.
Exxon Mobil was charged with violating the Clean Air Act for emitting more than 1.5 million pounds of pollutants from its refinery in Texas between 2005 and 2007. The company was also charged with violating the Act for failing to properly maintain and operate its equipment in order to reduce emissions.
The criminal penalty was negotiated as part of a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. As part of the settlement, Exxon Mobil agreed to pay an additional $5 million in civil penalties and to spend $300 million on environmental projects.
Conclusion
The largest criminal fine in history was paid by Siemens AG in 2008. The company agreed to pay $1.6 billion to the U.S. government to settle allegations of bribery and corruption.
