Albania prosecutors probe Jared Kushner-linked resort amid violent protests

Albanian anti-corruption prosecutors are investigating changes to the protected status of a coastal wetland where a luxury resort project linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner has sparked environmental opposition and protests, according to Politico.

According to Politico, Albania’s special anti-corruption prosecutor’s office, SPAK, has launched an investigation into changes made to the status of the Vjosa-Narta protected area in Zvërnec. The coastal wetland is home to flamingos, monk seals and sea turtle nesting grounds, Politico reported.

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In 2024, Kushner publicly announced plans for his firm, Affinity Partners, to develop luxury tourism projects in Albania, including the Zvërnec region. He visited the region with his wife Ivanka Trump earlier this year.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama recently confirmed to Politico that talks are ongoing between the government and Kushner on the deal, which is expected to include approximately 10,000 hotel rooms and villas.

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Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama speaks at a press conference following the EU-Albania Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels, Belgium, on May 26, 2026. (Daniel Gnap/NurPhoto)

“I want to make Albania an enviable country in the region, and this project is part of this effort,” Rama said on Monday. he said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Affinity Partners and SPAK for comment.

Protests by Albanian citizens and non-profit groups began in May when large, barbed-wire fences were erected at the proposed site, denying locals and tourists access to the beach. On Sunday, protesters gathered outside government offices to demand the end of the project as well as Rama’s resignation.

Jared Kushner speaks at the inaugural meeting of the Peace Board at the Donald J. Trump Peace Institute in Washington, DC, on February 19, 2026. Kushner backs out of Albania over a luxury development project. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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Following Sunday’s protests, footage emerged showing private security guards attacking a protester and dragging him across a cliff. Some guards allegedly threatened other demonstrators who tried to remove the fences and stop construction.

Following the incident, the licenses of two private security companies were cancelled. Meanwhile, criminal charges were filed against approximately 15 protesters and the local police chief was dismissed.