A controversial luxury development planned along Albania’s coastline has become the focus of an anti-corruption investigation as tensions continue to rise between government officials, environmental advocates, and residents.
According to Fox News, Albania’s special anti-corruption prosecution office, known as SPAK, is investigating decisions related to the protected status of a coastal wetland area where a major resort project tied to Jared Kushner has been proposed.
The probe centers on changes made to the designation of the Vjosa-Narta protected landscape near Zvërnec, a coastal region known for its environmental significance.
The wetland serves as habitat for a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, Mediterranean monk seals, and sea turtle nesting areas.
Kushner, the son-in-law of President Donald Trump, publicly discussed plans in 2024 for his investment firm, Affinity Partners, to pursue luxury tourism developments in Albania.
One of those projects is planned for the Zvërnec area.
Earlier this year, Kushner visited the site alongside his wife, Ivanka Trump.
The proposed development has drawn attention because of its scale. According to reports, the project could include approximately 10,000 hotel rooms and villas.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama recently confirmed that discussions between the government and Kushner remain ongoing.
“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,” Rama said Monday.
Opposition to the project has intensified in recent weeks.
Protests began in May after large barbed-wire-topped fences were installed around portions of the proposed development area. Demonstrators argued that the barriers restricted public access to beaches traditionally used by residents and visitors.
The dispute escalated further over the weekend.
On Sunday, protesters gathered outside government offices, calling for the project to be halted and demanding Rama’s resignation.
Following those demonstrations, videos surfaced appearing to show private security personnel confronting protesters near the site.
Footage reportedly showed guards dragging one protester along a cliffside. Other demonstrators alleged that security personnel threatened individuals attempting to remove fencing and disrupt construction activity.
The aftermath of those incidents prompted swift action from authorities.
Officials revoked the licenses of two private security companies connected to the confrontation.
At the same time, approximately 15 protesters have reportedly been charged in connection with the unrest.
The local police chief also lost his position following the clashes.
As SPAK’s investigation moves forward, scrutiny continues to grow over both the development’s environmental impact and the government decisions that cleared the way for the project to advance.
