The UK has appealed to Interpol to reject Argentina’s “red notice” requests seeking the arrest of people linked to the Sea Lion oil project in the Falkland Islands. The UK says the moves are “politically motivated” and has written to Interpol’s headquarters in Lyon for urgent assurances, arguing the requests could be used to bully people and companies out of working in the Falklands. Interpol “red notices” are requests to locate and provisionally arrest individuals pending extradition. Once circulated, enforcement agencies in each member country decide whether to act. Argentina is also stepping up legal pressure over Sea Lion, which could triple the Falklands’ GDP. President Javier Milei has vowed to block the project and has initiated criminal proceedings against Navitas, an Israeli company, and its British partner, Rockhopper Exploration. UK officials fear Argentina could persuade Interpol member states that its detentions are rooted in domestic law rather than politics, despite Interpol’s stated screening under its constitution, including rules against political activity. Falklands government chief executive Andrea Clausen said the use of Interpol by Argentina is a threat, adding that she hoped Interpol would not take action. Argentina’s approach also includes plans to expand sanctions through a draft sovereignty bill, with potential reach to affiliates, financial intermediaries, shareholders and suppliers, and clauses that could target the fishing industry. The UK is also preparing for a further escalation, with Argentina expected to request arbitration within 24 hours under UN sea law over the oil project after a two-week deadline to stop drilling passed. Interpol has told the UK it would respect its constitutional rule on political character, but Argentina’s red-notice campaign and related legal moves remain under review.