Jared Kushner's overseas luxury resort project faces anti-corruption investigation amid violent protests

Albanian prosecutors probe status change of Vjosa‑Narta wetland amid Kushner‑backed resort plans

Albanian anti‑corruption prosecutors have opened an inquiry into alterations made to the protected status of the Vjosa‑Narta wetland in Zvërnec, a coastal area that has become the focus of a planned luxury tourism development linked to U.S. presidential son‑in‑law Jared Kushner. The investigation follows a wave of protests, a controversial security incident, and political pressure from the Albanian government.

The development that has sparked controversy

In 2024, Kushner’s investment firm Affinity Partners announced plans to build a large resort complex on the Zvërnec shoreline. The project, which has attracted international attention, is projected to include roughly 10,000 hotel rooms and villas. The area is part of the Vjosa‑Narta protected landscape, a wetland that serves as a habitat for flamingos, Mediterranean monk seals and sea turtle nesting sites.

Prime Minister Edi Rama has spoken publicly about the project, saying, “I want to make Albania a country that is a destination to be envied in the region, and this project is part of this effort.” He confirmed that negotiations with Affinity Partners were underway, but the exact scope of the agreement remains unclear.

Environmental opposition and public protests

Environmentalists and local residents began to voice opposition to the development in May, when the government erected large fences topped with barbed wire at the proposed site. The fences blocked access to the beach for both locals and tourists, prompting protests from citizens and nonprofit groups. Demonstrators gathered outside government offices on a Sunday, demanding that the project be halted and calling for Prime Minister Rama’s resignation.

The protests intensified when footage surfaced showing private security guards allegedly assaulting a protester and dragging him along a cliff. The guards also appeared to threaten other demonstrators who were attempting to remove fences and stop construction. In response, the licenses of two private security companies were revoked. Fifteen protesters were charged, and the local police chief was stripped of his duties following the incident.

Legal scrutiny

The special anti‑corruption prosecution office, SPAK, has begun a probe into changes made to the protected status of the Vjosa‑Narta landscape. The inquiry examines whether the status alteration was conducted in compliance with national environmental regulations and whether the change facilitated the approval of the resort project. The investigation comes amid growing concerns that the project could threaten the ecological integrity of the wetland and its wildlife.

SPAK officials have not yet released detailed findings, but the probe signals a heightened willingness by Albanian authorities to scrutinize high‑profile development deals that may conflict with environmental protections. The investigation also reflects broader public scrutiny of government actions in Albania, where protests against corruption and land use have intensified in recent months.

Political fallout

The combination of environmental protest, security violations and legal scrutiny has added pressure to Prime Minister Rama’s administration. While Rama has reiterated his commitment to the resort as a means to boost Albania’s tourism sector, the growing opposition has amplified calls for political accountability. The recent revocation of security company licenses and the dismissal of the local police chief illustrate the government’s attempt to address the fallout from the security incident.

Affinities Partners, the development firm, has not yet issued a formal statement. SPAK has requested comments from both the firm and the prosecutor’s office, but responses have not yet been received.

Looking ahead

The outcome of SPAK’s investigation will be closely watched by environmental groups, local residents and the international business community. If the inquiry finds that the protected status was improperly altered, it could delay or halt the resort development and lead to further legal action against the parties involved. Conversely, a clearance of the alleged irregularities could pave the way for construction to resume, albeit amid continued public scrutiny.

For now, the Vjosa‑Narta wetland remains a flashpoint in Albania’s ongoing debate over balancing economic development with environmental stewardship. The next weeks will reveal whether the country’s anti‑corruption machinery will uphold the protection of this valuable natural resource or whether political and corporate interests will prevail.