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U.S. Justice Dept. finds criminal wrongdoing in GM ignition switch defect - NY Times

The General Motors logo is seen outside its headquarters at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan in this file photograph taken August 25, 2009. REUTERS/Jeff Kowalsky/Files

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Justice Department investigators have identified criminal wrongdoing in General Motors Co's failure to disclose a defective ignition switch, and they are negotiating what is expected to be a record penalty, the New York Times reported on Friday. Citing people briefed on the inquiry, the Times said a settlement could be reached as soon as this summer. The final number is still being negotiated, but it is expected to exceed the $1.2 billion paid last year by Toyota for concealing unintended acceleration problems, according to the newspaper. (Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Sandra Maler)