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Albania Approves Preliminary Plans for Coastal Resort Linked to Kushner
Albania's government granted preliminary approval for a luxury resort on protected coastal land near Zvérnec. Environmental groups filed legal challenges and daily protests have taken place in Tirana. Prosecutors froze accounts of a Qatari firm tied to the project.
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Albania's government granted preliminary approval for a luxury resort on a stretch of Adriatic coastline near the village of Zvérnec. The project is linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. The site lies across from Sazan Island and forms part of the protected Vjose-Narte ecological area.
Environmental organizations filed legal challenges, arguing the development violates Albanian and European Union rules.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside Prime Minister Edi Rama's office in Tirana, chanting for his resignation. Protester Eden Hosha said the protests began after construction equipment entered a protected area. He noted a 2024 law removed prior protections for the site.
June 2, anti-corruption prosecutors froze bank accounts of Albania Land Development, a firm owned by Qatari brothers Moutaz and Ramez Al-Khayyat. The company is helping finance and build the resort. Investigative journalist Lindita Cela traced ownership through multiple shell companies registered in Albania and the Netherlands.
She said the trail ends at Interroyal BV, a firm established in 2004 by a Russian and a Bulgarian citizen. A representative of Sazan Real Estate Development stated the focus remains on responsible stewardship, environmental enhancement, and job creation.
Affinity Partners said it has no role in the project.
