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Argentina to file criminal charges against Navitas Petroleum over Falklands drilling
Argentina says the filing targets Navitas subsidiaries and executives over 65% stake in the Sea Lion project, which it alleges violates Argentine law.
On Monday, the office of Argentine President Javier Milei announced a criminal complaint against Tel Aviv-listed Navitas Petroleum and partners for illegal oil exploration near the Falkland Islands.
Argentina alleges the companies violated national law by holding hydrocarbon licenses issued by "the illegitimate government of the United Kingdom," maintaining sovereignty over the territory 300 miles away in the South Atlantic.
The Sea Lion field is central to the dispute, with Navitas Petroleum holding a 65% stake; Gideon Tadmor, the company's chair, holds about 9% of shares as the project moves toward production in the North Falkland Basin.
Britain defended its claim with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stating the U.K.'s position is "unwavering," while National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to recognize Argentine sovereignty over the territory.
As Sea Lion moves toward production, the sovereignty dispute has transformed into a conflict over resources. Milei previously threatened to sanction shareholders and directors involved in Falklands oil activities, escalating tensions.
Buenos Aires., Argentina will criminally denounce Navitas oil company and its directors for alleged hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities in the North Malvinas Basin, an area close to the Malvinas Islands, an archipelago located in the south of the Atlantic Ocean colonially occupied by the United Kingdom in 1833.
In 1982, the two countries waged a 74-day war for the domination of the archipelago; the conflict culminated in the capitulation of Argentina and resulted in the death of 649 Argentine and 255 British soldiers.