Albanian prosecutors probe land deal for Kushner-Trump resort project

Albanian anti-corruption prosecutors are examining the sale of a coastal parcel that is part of a planned luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. The investigation focuses on Miami-based businessman Artur Shehu, who sold the land earlier this year, and alleges he used forged ownership documents and laundered proceeds from international drug trafficking to build a real-estate portfolio.

Shehu denied the accusations, and his attorney, Kujtim Cakrani, told Reuters that his client is “neither a drug trafficker nor a forger of property documents” and called the claims false.

Kushner, Trump and the resort’s investors have not been implicated in the probe, and Reuters found no evidence that they were aware of any issues with Shehu at the time of purchase. A spokesperson for Sazan Real Estate Development, the Kushner-backed firm managing the project, said the company continues to believe the land acquisitions were lawful and complied with all relevant procedures.

The development, planned along Albania’s Adriatic coast, has faced opposition from environmental groups and local residents who warn it could damage wetlands and habitats for flamingos and sea turtles. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama reiterated his support for the project, stating it will proceed despite the legal and environmental challenges.