Albania: 20 Arrests Sought in Probe Linked to Trump Family Project

Albania's anti-corruption prosecutors have initiated a significant crackdown, requesting the arrest of 20 Albanians suspected of international drug trafficking and money laundering.

The investigation, led by the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), has uncovered alleged involvement in operations aimed at concealing the origin of illicit funds and integrating them into the formal economy. Four individuals were arrested on Saturday as part of this operation. SPAK has not directly linked the investigation to the tourism project but noted that the justice system ordered the seizure of assets related to sales contracts with a company identified as "A...L...D. sh.a."

This company, potentially "Albania Land Development," is reportedly involved in a controversial luxury tourism project in Zvernec and on Sazan Island. The project, which has faced widespread public protest for two weeks, is associated with Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law, and his wife Ivanka Trump. Ivanka Trump has described the project's location as having "five miles of waterfront directly facing the island [Sazan], this magnificent peninsula with a lagoon on one side, the ocean on the other, beautiful white sand beaches."

The total value of the seized assets, including properties and construction projects in Tirana and coastal areas like Palasë and Himarë, exceeds 128.4 million euros. Public records suggest that A.Sh., potentially Artur Shehu, is a key seller of land for this development project. While SPAK did not respond to AFP's inquiries regarding these specific connections, the investigation highlights concerns over illicit financial activities potentially intertwined with major foreign investments.

Thousands of Albanians have participated in ongoing street protests against the Zvernec and Sazan Island development project, carrying banners that read "Albania is not for sale." The protests underscore a deep public concern regarding the potential impact of such large-scale developments and the alleged financial dealings associated with them.

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We have five miles of waterfront directly facing the island [of Sazan], this magnificent peninsula with a lagoon on one side, the ocean on the other, beautiful white sand beaches.