Albanian prosecutors investigate alleged forged deeds for Kushner-backed resort land
Albanian prosecutors have opened an investigation into a series of forged property deeds linked to a planned luxury resort on the Adriatic coast that was promoted by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s son‑in‑law, Jared Kushner. The inquiry, announced by the Tirana public prosecutor’s office on Tuesday, focuses on documents that allegedly falsify ownership claims for parcels of land near the town of Durres, where Kushner’s investment group, Kushner Companies, sought to develop a high‑end hotel and residential complex. Authorities say the forged deeds could have been used to facilitate the acquisition of the site and to obscure the true chain of title.
The probe comes as local opposition to the project has grown, with hundreds of residents and environmental activists gathering in Durres to demand the cancellation of the development. Protesters argue that the resort would threaten coastal ecosystems, strain municipal infrastructure, and sideline community interests in favor of foreign investors. Municipal officials have repeatedly delayed the issuance of construction permits, citing concerns over the legality of the land titles and the lack of transparent environmental impact assessments. International media have highlighted the case as part of broader scrutiny of Kushner’s overseas business dealings.
Prosecutors have not disclosed whether any individuals have been formally charged, but they indicated that the investigation will examine the role of local notaries, real‑estate agents, and any intermediaries who may have facilitated the alleged document fraud. The outcome of the inquiry could affect the viability of the resort project and may set a precedent for how foreign investment proposals are vetted in Albania. As the legal process unfolds, both the investors and the protestors are awaiting clarification on the land’s ownership status and the future of the contentious development.