Albanian anti-corruption prosecutors are investigating a luxury resort project spearheaded by Affinity Partners, Jared Kushner’s private equity firm, on an undeveloped island off the coast of Albania in the Adriatic Sea, as protests by citizens and environmental groups are growing.
Princess Ivanka Trump explained in an interview how she and Jared fell in love with the uninhabited island of Sazan they want to plant 10,000 hotel rooms on. The project would also include an area on the mainland of Albania, a sensitive coastal wetland area home to flamingos, seals and sea turtle nesting sites.
In August 2024, Kushner unveiled plans for Affinity Partners to turn the site into a luxury resort and in early 2026 he visited the area with his wife, Ivanka. In a recent interview with POLITICO, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama confirmed talks were ongoing between the government and Kushner over the deal, which is set to include 10,000 hotel rooms.
Protests erupted in late May outside government offices demanding an end to the project and the resignation of the prime minister.
“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.
Video footage showed private security guards assaulting protesters and dragging one along a cliff.
Read more about the island Sazan and its history here.
