The Journal. · Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Jared Kushner's ambitious resort development project in Albania has become embroiled in controversy, linked to a land deal with a man accused of leading an international drug smuggling operation. The project, which involves developing the island of Sazan and the Zvernet peninsula, has also sparked protests and political fallout in Albania, including calls for the Prime Minister's resignation and potential impacts on Albania's EU accession.
“Since the resort development was first proposed, the project has triggered one controversy after another.”
“It's led to calls for the Albanian Prime Minister to resign.”
“Earlier this year, Kushner and his partners struck a nine-figure deal to buy land as part of the development project. About two months later, the man who sold them the land was charged by Albanian prosecutors for allegedly playing a lead role in a sweeping international drug smuggling operation.”