Albania's Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution Office (SPAK) is actively investigating a controversial luxury resort project in Zvërnec linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The project, tied to Kushner's private equity firm Affinity Partners, aims to transform the Vjosa-Narta protected area into a high-end tourism destination. This area is known for its rich biodiversity, including habitats for flamingos, Mediterranean monk seals, and nesting sites for sea turtles.

The probe focuses on the alterations made in the protected status of this vital wetland, a matter that has been at the center of rising public opposition. Protests initiated in May escalated dramatically as the Albanian government commenced erecting barbed-wire fences around the development area, restricting access to the beach for locals and tourists alike. Protesters are demanding that the project be halted and have called for the resignation of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has purportedly been negotiating the deal with Kushner.

Kushner’s vision for the resort includes around 10,000 hotel rooms and luxury villas on the formerly military-controlled Sazan Island, which has recently been declassified for civilian use. The Albanian government has granted the project “Strategic Investor” status, which allows for expedited permits. Despite the claims from the Prime Minister denying any encroachment on protected land, environmental activists express concerns about long-term ecological impacts.

Footage has emerged from recent protests showing incidents of violence, including private security personnel allegedly assaulting demonstrators. The crackdown has resulted in the revocation of licenses for two security firms implicated in these actions, and around 15 protesters have faced charges.

As the investigation unfolds, the implications of Kushner’s involvement in this project continue to raise eyebrows, particularly concerning potential conflicts of interest stemming from his familial ties to the former U.S. administration and the ongoing pressure from local communities for greater protections for their environment. The situation remains tense as both public outcry and legal scrutiny intensify surrounding this ambitious yet contentious development project.