Argentina Plans Criminal Complaint Against Five Firms Over Falklands Oil

Argentina’s government said Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, represented by Treasury Procurator Sebastián Amerio, will present a criminal complaint against five companies over oil activity around the Falkland Islands. It alleges Navitas Petroleum Development & Production Ltd., Navitas Petroleum Atlantic United and JHI Associates Inc. hold UK-issued hydrocarbon licenses in the North Falkland Basin in violation of Law 26.659. The planned action also names Navitas Petroleum LP and Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. as shareholders and would extend to involved directors, managers, administrators, representatives and authorized persons. The Presidency said the move seeks to protect natural resources and Argentina’s sovereignty claim over the islands.