Tirana (Albania) (AFP) – Protests have swept Albania for more than two weeks over plans for a luxury hotel project linked to US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. But in recent days, an investigation focusing on the acquisition of the land for the project and alleged money laundering has shaken the Balkan nation. Albania’s anti-corruption prosecutor launched a probe into how land in the protected coastal area of Zvernec changed hands, and why its value jumped from 5.5 million euros ($6.3 million) to 122 million in just a few months. The investigation is looking into suspected drug trafficking and money laundering, involving an Albanian intermediary and companies linked to a businessman associated with Kushner.
Here is a timeline of the project’s main developments:
– **February 2024: Law change** – Albanian lawmakers amend legislation on protected natural areas, allowing high-end tourism developments — including five-star hotels — in certain zones. The move is controversial but opens the door to major real estate projects.
– **March-December 2024: Kushner unveils plans** – In March, Kushner posts on Instagram about his intention to present “initial sketches for development projects for the Albanian coast”, including projects on Sazan Island and the nearby Zvernec coast. In December, the Albanian government grants “strategic investor” status to a company linked to Kushner, smoothing the project’s path.
– **May-November 2025: Land deals** – In May, Albanian firm Albania Land Development is set up to buy land and develop real estate projects, including hotels and residential properties. In autumn, Qatar-based Sazan Real Estate Development is created to oversee the project. On November 21, Albanian businessman Artur Shehu agrees to sell land in Zvernec to Albania Land Development for an estimated 5.5 million euros. Days later, the company comes under the control of another Qatar-based firm.
– **April 2026: Price surge** – On April 26, the sale is finalized, but with a declared value of 122 million euros — more than 22 times the initial price. The sharp increase has drawn the attention of investigators, as they examine possible money laundering or influence peddling. On April 29, the first building permit is issued for preparatory work on the site. The company holding the permit comes under Qatari control a few days later.
– **May 2026: Protests begin** – On May 30, locals and activists protest the installation of fences and barbed wire around the site, marking the start of a broader protest movement against the project. The following day, Ivanka Trump, Kushner’s wife and US President Donald Trump’s daughter, publicly discusses the project on her podcast, praising the site’s long stretch of coastline, white sandy beaches, and views of Sazan Island.
– **June 2026: Project structure** – Asked by AFP about tourism projects in Albania, a communications agency linked to Kushner’s investment firm, Affinity Partners, refers questions to Sazan Real Estate Development, which “manages the project with the participation of various investors acting in an individual capacity”. The company, which was registered in Qatar in October 2025, fully owns Sazan Operations Holding. According to email exchanges with Affinity Partners’ communications team, it is led by Asher Abehsera, who has previously worked on real estate projects with Kushner in New York. He did not immediately respond to AFP’s requests for comment on Monday.
© 2024 AFP
