Equatorial Guinea warns it will take action against French companies if judges in France issue an arrest warrant for the son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema.

Two French judges on Tuesday requested the warrant for Teodorin Obiang on grounds that he acquired millions of dollars worth of French real estate and luxury goods by fraudulent means.

In a statement, Equatorial Guinea's government said French authorities are trying to provoke “internal destabilization.” It says that French firms operating in Equatorial Guinea would face “negative consequences” if the warrants were pursued.

Teodorin Obiang serves as agriculture minister for the oil-rich central African nation, but has a reputation in France for living an extravagant lifestyle.

The French judges have investigated the source of his money since 2010 following a legal complaint by the anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International.

As part of the investigation, French authorities last year seized 11 luxury cars belonging to the younger Obiang.

Police also searched a building belonging to the family in a wealthy part of Paris, seizing millions of dollars worth of art, wine and other belongings.

Teodoro Obiang has ruled Equatorial Guinea since 1979. The country is Africa's third-largest exporter of oil but most of its people live in poverty.