Falklands oil: Argentina files criminal complaint

Argentina said Tuesday it had filed a criminal complaint in Argentine courts against Israeli company Navitas Petroleum over oil drilling near the Falkland Islands without Buenos Aires's authorization, escalating a dispute over the British-administered territory.

The government also launched legal action against Canadian company Eco Atlantic, which has a license to explore next to the Sea Lion field. Argentina said the licenses were granted by what it calls the illegitimate government of the United Kingdom.

Buenos Aires says the Sea Lion project is in the North Malvinas Basin, about 220 kilometres from the Falklands. Navitas has a majority share in the offshore oil project, with Britain's Rockhopper holding the rest.

Argentina argues that the work violates its law on hydrocarbon exploration on its continental shelf without government authorization. A 2011 law provides for penalties of up to 20 years of disqualification from operating in Argentina and up to 15 years in prison.

The criminal complaint targets shareholders and company officials, including directors, managers, trustees, administrators, agents and representatives, as well as others Argentina says participated in the alleged act.

Argentina previously punished Rockhopper with a 20-year disqualification from operating in Argentine territory in 2013 over what it called illegal operations. Navitas received the same sanction in April 2022.

The Falklands, which Argentines call Las Malvinas, are about 600 kilometres east of Argentina's southernmost tip and are administered by Britain. Argentina claims the islands as part of its territory.

Britain and Argentina fought a 1982 war over the islands that ended with Argentine surrender after 74 days and killed 649 Argentines and 255 British troops.

The dispute has intensified after US President Donald Trump threatened to review Washington's neutrality on the issue. Argentine President Javier Milei welcomed the shift and said the “winds of change” were blowing in Argentina's favour. British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting wrote on social media Friday: “The Falklands are British because Falkland Islanders choose to be British.” Falkland Islanders voted overwhelmingly in 2013 to remain British.