Index.hrIndependentProgressive3 hr. agoAn American businessman based in Miami, who is under investigation in Albania for money laundering related to drugs, has been accused of forging property documents for land intended for Jared Kushner’s luxury resort worth billions. The allegations emerged from documents obtained by Reuters through the Albanian Anti-Corruption Agency. Artur Shehu denies all accusations, with his lawyer stating that Albanian prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for him over drug-related money laundering. The documents accuse Shehu and associates of smuggling South American cocaine into European ports and creating a real estate empire using forged documents. While the legal proceedings against Shehu continue, there are no charges against Kushner, his wife Ivanka Trump, or the development companies involved. The project faces opposition from local residents who claim ownership of the land and challenge Shehu’s rights in ongoing lawsuits.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue around international corruption and legal accountability, emphasizing the involvement of a U.S. political figure (Jared Kushner) and highlighting the potential illegality of the land transaction. It underscores the legal challenges faced by foreign investors and local居民,
Večernji listIndependentProgressive4 hr. agoThe article reports on a legal investigation initiated by the Croatian Anti-Corruption Agency (USKOK) into allegations of corruption involving six individuals and four legal entities related to real estate transactions in Istria. The investigation focuses on accusations that a municipal employee, later serving as the head of the Urban Planning Office in Buza, improperly facilitated property sales and rentals in favor of interested parties by using her authority and access to documents. She allegedly ensured these parties could acquire properties quickly and under favorable conditions. Additionally, there are claims that the mayor of Buza, in collaboration with a director of a trading company, arranged procurement procedures to benefit the company at the expense of the city. The case involves multiple legal entities and spans several years, with specific financial figures mentioned.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the actions of the accused as corrupt and unethical, emphasizing their misuse of power and influence for personal gain. It highlights systemic issues within local governance and public administration, which aligns with a left-leaning perspective that often criticizes institutional
Net.hrIndependentCenter4 hr. agoThe Croatian anti-corruption agency USKOK has expanded its investigation into alleged corruption related to the sale of land in Istria. The probe now involves five additional individuals and one legal entity, including Croatian and Slovenian citizens suspected of abusing their positions, accepting bribes, and disclosing confidential information from criminal proceedings. According to USKOK, a former employee and later head of the Urban Planning and Municipal Property Department in the city of Buzet allegedly used her position between late 2012 and March 11, 2025, to provide privileged access to information about tenders and documentation to interested buyers of municipal and state-owned land. In exchange, she is suspected of receiving money, including at least €4,000 from a Slovenian citizen in one case. Additionally, USKOK suspects that the mayor of Buzet, Fabrizio Vižintin, along with the director of a company, colluded to secure contracts for the city by artificially splitting public procurement below the threshold requiring open bidding processes. This allowed the company to win contracts worth at least €3.86 million while generating illegal profits of at least €1.16 million.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual allegations made by USKOK, a national anti-corruption authority, without overtly favoring any side. It reports on ongoing investigations involving public officials and potential misuse of power, but does not include biased language, selective sourcing, or editorializing.
Croatia
