The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, said that after verifications carried out by the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), the foreign investors, who purchased the land to invest in Zvërnec, are now its owners.
According to official data, the owner of the area surrounded by a metal fence in Zvërnec, near Vlora, turns out to be the company "Albania Land Development", registered with the State Cadastral Agency in Albania on May 27, 2025.
Data from the National Business Center shows that the owners of this company are brothers from Qatar, Mohamadmoataz Mhd Ruslan Alkhayat and Ramez Mhd Ruslan Alkhayyat.
"A development that I consider very positive regarding the process of verifying the transaction for the purchase of land in Zvërnec, which means the full and final clarification of the origin of the funds transferred through the bank and the final release of the investors who are now the owners," Rama said after the Albanian Government meeting on June 3.
He also appreciated the fact that SPAK has decided to keep the funds frozen without letting them pass to the seller, for whom there is an investigative process.
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Rama says SPAK has blocked the transaction for the property where the resort is planned in Zvërnec
"This, in my view, is also very positive for anyone who claims property in that territory, as the matter will be covered by a completely independent investigation by SPAK, and in both cases the result will be indisputable from a legal point of view and will put an end to any claim that is not based on the law," Rama said.
Regarding the investigations into the land ownership issue in Zvërnec, the SPAK media office again said on Wednesday that "the matter is in a procedural phase, its details cannot be made public at this time."
The head of the Albanian government, Edi Rama, said that the investigation will show whether the seller has a legitimate origin of the property and will then receive the money. If the opposite is the case, "the money will remain with the Republic of Albania and will definitely be used for anyone who will prove that the claim on the property is well-founded."
Residents of the village of Zvërnec have told Radio Free Europe that they are involved in a legal dispute with a businessman from Vlora, regarding the ownership of land in Zvërnec, which they claim was unfairly taken from them.
Meanwhile, regarding the protesters' calls for his resignation, Rama said he sees no reason to resign and described them as a repetition of old political debates. He said that the public debate on the environment is used as an instrument to oppose economic projects, while emphasizing that Albania needs the development of elite tourism to grow the economy.
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Rama defends Trump's son-in-law's investment in Zvërnec after protests in Albania
In recent days, there have been protests against works in the Pishë Poro-Nartë protected area, where a resort is planned to be built, amid concerns about the environmental impact and disputes over land ownership.
This area is a protected environment and is considered one of the most important habitats in Albania for waterfowl and migratory birds, including flamingos.
The works are related to plans previously announced by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. In March 2024, Kushner announced his intention to build hotels and hundreds of villas in the Zvërnec area.
Asked about the protests against the project in Zvërnec, the company linked to Kushner's investments in Albania, Affinity Partners, told Radio Free Europe that it respects "ongoing public and institutional processes" and that it "is ready to move forward as they unfold."
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Rama to FT: I am not the godfather of the project in Zvërnec
"Our focus remains on responsible stewardship, environmental improvement, job creation and creating long-term value for local communities," Asher Abehsera, chairman of Sazan Real Estate Development LLC, told Radio Free Europe.
The Albanian government has said that the investment in Zvërnec is worth 4 billion euros and it aims to place Albania on the "list of champions" of tourism. /REL
