Argentina has moved to prosecute energy company Navitas Petroleum and its executives over their involvement in oil operations in the Falkland Islands, intensifying its longstanding sovereignty dispute with Britain.
The move follows President Javier Milei’s announcement that his government would take action against oil companies carrying out drilling activities in the British-controlled territory, as Buenos Aires renewed its claim over the islands.
The Argentine presidency said Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno would file a complaint against several Navitas subsidiaries and other companies involved in the project, as well as their directors.
Navitas Petroleum had not immediately commented on the announcement.
Argentine authorities accuse the companies of violating national laws by holding licences for oil exploration and production in the North Falkland Basin that were granted by the United Kingdom.
Milei has previously highlighted the Sea Lion offshore development while announcing measures targeting companies involved in oil and gas activities around the Falkland Islands.
The measures could also apply to shareholders, directors and suppliers connected to the operations, according to the Argentine government.
The Sea Lion project is being developed by Tel Aviv-listed Navitas Petroleum, which holds a 65 percent stake in the field.
Navitas chairman Gideon Tadmor owns roughly 9 percent of the company, according to LSEG data.
Goodness Anunobi
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