They don't say that criminal activity has occurred in this instance, just that this kind of behavior could be used cover it up in situations where that is the case. An example that could potentially be true. Right now with everything going on with Boeing, it sure seems plausible they are covering something(s) up that may be criminal or incredibly damaging. Like maybe falsify inspections and maintenance records? A person at Boeing who gets equity as part of compensation decides to leave. And when they leave, they eventually at some point in the future decide to speak out at a congressional investigation about what they know about what is going on. Should that person be sued into oblivion by Boeing? Or should Boeing, assuming what situation above is true, just have to eat the cost/consequences for being shitty?