Land sold for Jared Kushner-linked Albania project tied to forged deed investigation amid protests
TIRANA, ALBANIA: A Jared Kushner-backed luxury resort project in Albania has come under fresh scrutiny after prosecutors began investigating whether deeds tied to a key land sale were forged.
The development, which has already sparked months of protests and political controversy, is facing another hurdle after Albania's anti-corruption prosecution service examined documents linked to the sale of a stretch of protected coastline earmarked for the resort. The latest allegations center on the ownership history of the land and whether falsified property titles were used during the transaction.
🤔Artur Shehu, a Miami-based businessman, sold the strip of pristine coastline to a company backed by Jared Kushner & Ivanka in April, despite mass protests in Tirana, sold land for a $1.4bn (£1.2bn) is a suspected drug trafficker accused of faking the deeds, prosecutors claimed. pic.twitter.com/9i7nymwgij
— Sumner (@renmusb1) July 11, 2026
Albanian prosecutors investigate land sale linked to Jared Kushner-backed resort
According to case files compiled by Albania's Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), businessman Artur Shehu transferred the land to Albania Land Development, the company behind the Kushner-linked project, in April.
Prosecutors allege that Shehu and associates used falsified property titles while funneling proceeds from serious criminal activity into Albanian real estate.
Authorities have reportedly frozen around 110 million euros ($126 million) linked to the sale that was being held in a notary account.
The allegations have added to scrutiny of the development, which has already attracted widespread attention across Albania.
However, Reuters reported that investigators found no evidence that Kushner, Sazan Real Estate Development, or other project backers were aware of any suspicions surrounding Shehu at the time the land changed hands.
Artur Shehu's lawyer denies forged deed allegations
Shehu's attorney, Kujtim Cakrani, strongly denied the accusations and defended his client's ownership claims.
“Nothing that has been alleged regarding Mr Artur Shehu’s character is true,” Cakrani said, insisting that Shehu was not involved in any organized crime.
The lawyer argued that the land had belonged to Shehu's family for generations and said the sale was lawful.
He also claimed that his client was unconcerned by the arrest warrant issued against him and suggested that prosecutors in Albania often face accusations of political influence.
Cakrani further stated that Shehu fled to the United States in 1998 and later received asylum after violence claimed the lives of family members.
Jared Kushner-backed Albania resort project sparks growing protests
The investigation arrives as public opposition to the resort continues to grow.
The proposed development sits on wetlands and beaches along Albania's southern coast, an area known for wildlife such as sea turtles and flamingos.
Opposition activists have embraced the flamingo as a symbol of their movement, which has become known as the 'Flamingo Revolution.'
What began as demonstrations against the resort has expanded into broader protests targeting Prime Minister Edi Rama's government over allegations of corruption.
Last week, clashes erupted outside parliament as riot police used tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators.
Authorities reported injuries to officers and dozens of arrests. A court later released many of those detained, while others were placed under restrictions.
Protester Entela Koja described the demonstrations as “a revolution against the big guys who want to use Albania like a playground for the rich.”
Villagers continue land ownership challenge as government defends project
The legal dispute over the land extends beyond the prosecutors' investigation.
Villagers living near the proposed resort site have spent years contesting Shehu's ownership claims.
They say title deeds and tax records support their assertion that they are the rightful owners of the property.
One of those residents, Nikolin Markpalaj, expressed frustration over the dispute.
“I told them it would not be easy for them to take this land and enjoy someone else's land and property. What is happening in this country is madness,” he said.
Meanwhile, Albania's government has rejected criticism surrounding the project, maintaining that the development complies with both Albanian and European Union laws.
