Man who sold land for Kushner-backed Albania resort facing criminal probe
A man who sold land for a controversial, Jared Kushner-backed luxury development in Albania is suspected of money laundering and drug trafficking.
Updated on: July 2, 2026 / 11:55 AM EDT / CBS News
The controversial plans to build resorts in long-protected natural coastal areas have sparked mass protests in Albania's capital Tirana.
Artur Shehu, a Miami resident with dual U.S. and Albanian nationality, is being investigated by Albanian prosecutors who allege there is "sufficient evidence" of his "involvement in drug trafficking criminal activity," and "sufficient data" suggesting he falsified financial documents around other real estate and construction projects, according to court filings dated June 10, which were obtained by CBS News.
Florida public records link Shehu to an address in Miami Beach.
Albania's independent anti-corruption body SPAK said last month that it had issued arrest warrants for 15 Albanian citizens for alleged international drug trafficking and money laundering, but it had not identified the individuals involved.