Investigation scrutinises US ambassador to Greece over $6B Albania gas deal

An investigation by The Wall Street Journal, reported by regional outlets, has highlighted the role of Kimberly Guilfoyle, the US Ambassador to Greece, in facilitating a $6 billion natural gas agreement for Greek infrastructure firm Aktor in Albania.

According to the report, Guilfoyle met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana in March alongside executives from Aktor and lobbyist Christos Marafatsos. A formal agreement for gas supply was signed roughly one month following the encounter.

The inquiry raises questions regarding potential conflicts of interest, specifically pointing to Marafatsos's dual capacity as a private energy lobbyist and a close advisor to the American ambassador. The findings highlight heightened scrutiny surrounding the boundaries between official US diplomatic operations, private sector lobbying, and European energy ventures.

Sources: Gazeta Tema, Koha