Navitas Petroleum faces criminal charges in Argentina for drilling on the Falklands

The Argentine government announced on Monday that it will file criminal charges against the energy company Navitas Petroleum & its executives for operating in the Falkland Island.

This follows comments made by the Argentine president Javier Milei on Friday, when he vowed that oil companies would be sanctioned for drilling in British overseas territories?as he stepped-up the South American nation’s sovereignty claims?.

According to a press release from the Presidency, Foreign Minister, Pablo 'Quirno, will file a criminal complaint against a number of Navitas subsidiary and partner companies operating in the territory along with their corporate directors.

Navitas didn't immediately respond to a comment request.

The government claims that the companies violated Argentine laws by holding hydrocarbon exploration licenses and exploitation permits issued by the United Kingdom for the?North Falkland Basin.

Milei announced last week that he would be targeting companies engaged in Falklands oil and gas activities. Penalties could extend to directors, shareholders, and suppliers.

Navitas Petroleum of Tel Aviv, with a 65% share in the?Sea Lion Field?, operates it.

Gideon Tadmor is a prominent figure within the Israeli energy sector. He is also the chairman of this company. According to LSEG, he holds 9% shares.

(source: Reuters)