Britain has appealed to Interpol to reject Argentina's requests for the arrest of individuals involved in a large oil project off the Falkland Islands. UK officials have sought urgent assurances from the international organisation, arguing that "red notice" requests from Argentina for the arrest of such individuals, including British nationals, should be considered politically motivated.
The UK government is reportedly concerned by what sources suggest is an attempt to deter people and companies from working in the Falklands. The Sea Lion oil project in the north Falklands basin has the potential to triple the Falklands' GDP, but Argentina's President, Javier Milei, has vowed to block it. Argentina's strategy includes attempts to criminalise those involved in Sea Lion and deter other investors.
Interpol has reportedly responded to the UK government's correspondence, stating it would respect article 3 of its constitution, which forbids political intervention. Despite this, concerns remain that Argentina could convince member states that its requests are rooted in domestic legislation rather than being political.
Milei has initiated criminal proceedings against the Israeli company Navitas and its British partner, Rockhopper Exploration, the core companies in the offshore Sea Lion project. A draft national sovereignty bill introduced to Argentina's congress would further expand sanctions to affiliates, financial intermediaries, shareholders, and suppliers, and could also target those in the Falklands' fishing industry.
Argentina is also expected to escalate its dispute with the UK by requesting arbitration under annexe VII of the UN convention on the law of the sea (Unclos) over the oil project. This follows a two-week deadline given by Milei on 28 September for the UK to stop the project.