Argentine judge orders seizure of assets of companies operating in the Falklands

A judge in Argentina has ordered the seizure of the assets of five oil companies operating in the Falklands Islands, including those owned by Premier Oil, Falkland Oil and Gas and Rockhopper Exploration.

The order, which was made by Tierra del Fuego judge Lilian Herraez, also named Noble Energy and Edison International Spa.

The assets, which include boats and other equipment, are worth $156m.

The order accuses the companies of "illegal activities of exploration, search and eventual extraction of hydrocarbons in proximity to the Falkland Islands", saying they did not obtain permits issued by "the competent authority in Argentina".

A statement released by the prosecutor's office said: "The foreign ministry will be notified of the court order so that by diplomatic means and in compliance with international treaties it can be carried out."

None of the five companies are based in Argentina, which has claimed sovereignty of the islands, calling them the Malvinas Islands.