Britain asks Interpol to reject Argentina's 'politically motivated' arrest bids over Falklands oil project
From the Newshound archive · first published 13 October 2026.
Britain has written to Interpol's headquarters in Lyon urging it to treat Argentine "red notice" arrest requests for individuals linked to the Sea Lion oil project as politically motivated. The UK government fears Argentina under President Javier Milei is attempting to bully British nationals and companies out of working in the Falklands. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has also launched an investigation into a sustained Argentine campaign of cyber-attacks and abusive phone calls targeting islanders. Downing Street called the intimidation "wholly unacceptable" and vowed to do "whatever it takes" to uphold the islanders' right to self-determination.
The Sea Lion oil project could triple the Falklands' GDP — Milei has vowed to block it by criminalising those involved.
Argentina has also sought a tribunal order against UK oil activity near the islands, as tensions reach levels unseen since the 1982 war.
Falkland Islands chief executive Andrea Clausen confirmed the Interpol threat is real, but said: 'One would hope that Interpol wouldn't necessarily take action.'