Milei confirmed the criminal complaint against five oil companies for operating in the Falklands and instructed Caputo to prioritize the Naval Base

The Government of Javier Milei confirmed that it will file a criminal complaint against five companies linked to illegal activities related to the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in the Falkland Islands and, in parallel, instructed the Minister of Economy, Luis Caputo, to prioritize the development of the Integrated Naval Base and other strategic projects in the 2027 Budget.

The presentation will be made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, Pablo Quirno, with the legal sponsorship of the National Treasury Attorney, Sebastián Amerio, and will target Navitas Petroleum Development & Production Ltd., Navitas Petroleum Atlantic United, Navitas Petroleum LP, JHI Associates Inc. and Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd.

According to the President's Office, some of these companies allegedly hold illegal licenses granted by the United Kingdom to develop hydrocarbon activities in the North Falkland Basin, without authorization from the Argentine Republic. The Executive believes that these operations could violate the Law 26.659, which establishes the regime applicable to the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in the Argentine Continental Shelf.

The complaint also extends to directors, managers, auditors, administrators, representatives, and other individuals who may have been involved in the investigated actions. From the Casa Rosada, it was noted that the measure constitutes a concrete tool to protect Argentina's natural resources and safeguard the country's sovereign rights over the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands, and the corresponding maritime areas.

The decision also aligns with Argentina's historical position regarding unilateral British activities in the Islands. For decades, the United Nations has urged Argentina and the United Kingdom to refrain from making unilateral decisions while the sovereignty dispute remains unresolved, including those related to the exploitation of natural resources.

In this context, the advancement of hydrocarbon projects such as Sea Lion takes on special significance, as it involves the extraction of a non-renewable resource in areas over which Argentina claims sovereignty and operates under British authorization. For the Government, this type of activity reinforces the need for administrative and legal mechanisms that allow for the application of current legislation with greater coordination and speed, always within due process.

On the other hand, Milei signed a presidential instruction directed to Caputo to prioritize the development of the Integrated Naval Base and other projects considered strategic for national security and the defense of Argentine sovereign interests during the preparation of the National Budget Project 2027. The Budget must be submitted to Congress by September 15.

The Executive emphasized that both measures are part of a policy aimed at strengthening the State's capabilities to defend national territory, protect its natural resources, and enhance Argentina's presence in the South Atlantic.