Albanian prosecutors investigate Kushner-linked resort wetland status change
Albanian anti-corruption prosecutors are investigating changes to the protected status of a coastal wetland where a luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner has drawn environmental opposition and protests, according to Politico as cited by Fox News Digital. SPAK, Albania’s special anti-corruption prosecution office, has opened a probe into changes made to the status of the Vjosa-Narta protected landscape in Zvërnec. The wetland area is home to flamingos, Mediterranean monk seals, and sea turtle nesting sites. Kushner publicly discussed plans in 2024 for his firm, Affinity Partners, to develop luxury tourism projects in Albania, including in Zvërnec, and visited the area earlier this year with his wife, Ivanka Trump. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama confirmed to Politico that talks were ongoing between the government and Kushner over the deal, which is expected to include roughly 10,000 hotel rooms and villas. Protests by Albanian citizens and nonprofit groups began in May after large, barbed-wire-topped fences were erected at the site. Following Sunday’s protests, footage emerged showing private security guards appearing to assault a protester, and the licenses of two private security companies were revoked, while around 15 protesters were charged and the local police chief was stripped of his duties.
What’s reported
Albanian anti-corruption prosecutors (SPAK) are investigating changes to the protected status of the Vjosa-Narta wetland in Zvërnec.
Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, has a luxury resort project linked to his firm Affinity Partners in that area.
Kushner publicly discussed plans in 2024 and visited with Ivanka Trump earlier this year.
Prime Minister Edi Rama confirmed ongoing talks for a deal expected to include roughly 10,000 hotel rooms and villas.
Protests began in May after barbed-wire-topped fences were erected, preventing beach access.
On Sunday, protesters demanded an end to the project and Rama’s resignation.
Footage showed private security guards assaulting a protester; two security companies had licenses revoked.
About 15 protesters were charged, and the local police chief was stripped of his duties.
Open questions
What specific changes to the protected status of the Vjosa-Narta wetland are being investigated?
What are the detailed terms of the deal between Kushner’s firm and the Albanian government?
Have Affinity Partners or SPAK responded to the investigation?
Key figures
Jared Kushner – son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, linked to resort project via Affinity Partners
Ivanka Trump – wife of Jared Kushner, visited the area
Edi Rama – Albanian Prime Minister
SPAK – Albania’s special anti-corruption prosecution office
Affinity Partners – Kushner’s firm
Albanian citizens and nonprofit groups – protesters
Private security guards – involved in alleged assault
Local police chief – stripped of duties
Sources: foxnews.com
