The intense dispute over the multi-billion-euro real estate development across several of Albania’s scenic locations has sparked a wave of incorrect online assertions.
Numerous unfounded claims have surfaced regarding the Albanian property development project associated with Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law, involving both the uninhabited island of Sazan and a section of the Vjosa-Narta coastal zone.
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Proponents argue the initiative could enhance tourism and attract investment. Opponents warn it threatens one of Albania’s critical natural habitats and could lead to excessive foreign control.
Among the misinformation, a video widely shared on social media purported to show the residence of Albania’s prime minister, Edi Rama, on fire amid nationwide protests.
In fact, this footage dates back to February 2026 and features protesters affiliated with the Democratic Party setting fire to the former villa of Enver Hoxha, the communist leader who governed Albania for over four decades.
One of the most prominent falsehoods suggests the Albanian real estate development enjoys backing from or connections to the state of Israel.
Nonetheless, no evidence supports these claims, which appear to stem from misleading associations with Kushner’s Jewish heritage, his prior involvement in peace talks between Israel and Hamas, and investments by his hedge fund Affinity Partners in Israel.
A frequently shared social media photo showing a barbed-wire fence adorned with two flags — Israeli and Albanian — was presented as evidence of a new border on Zvërnec Island. This is fabricated; the image was altered to digitally insert the flags suggesting such a boundary.
Other videos claim that “Israeli settlers” are occupying land in Albania only to be driven off by locals. The viral clip actually captures protestors in northern Albania opposing a separate luxury resort project in Baks-Rjoll, Velipojë, filmed in February 2026.
Prime Minister Rama has also refuted erroneous claims that the development serves as part of a plan to relocate Palestinians, allegations repeatedly emerging over time.
He stated to Euronews, «A narrative surrounds this whole matter suggesting a secret agreement between [Israeli Prime Minister] Bibi Netanyahu and myself, via Jared Kushner, to settle Palestinians in that part of Albania, which is entirely fictional.»
Amid this spread of misinformation, the resort project financed by Kushner’s Affinity Partners has prompted a genuine anti-corruption investigation.
Albania’s anti-corruption prosecutor has initiated an inquiry into controversial 2024 legislation that eased protections for some of the nation’s most vulnerable ecosystems.
The probe focuses on the swift regulatory approvals, possible fraudulent property deeds, and dubious land transfers connected with the project planned for the ecologically delicate Vjosa-Narta wetland — a vital site for nesting sea turtles and migratory bird species.