An obscure company with personal connections to Donald Trump is on the verge of winning contracts worth more than $1 billion to build and operate a gas pipeline across the Balkans, according to a Guardian investigation. The company, AAFS Infrastructure and Energy, has no record of handling projects of this scale but has secured the backing of the Trump administration, raising concerns about the blurring of government policy and personal enrichment.
Background and Key Figures
AAFS's representatives include Jesse Binnall, a Washington lawyer who has represented the Trumps in political cases, and Joe Flynn, the brother of former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Both were involved in efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. The company's local partner in Bosnia is Amer Bekan, a former mayoral candidate who registered the Bosnian branch in 2021.
Pipeline Project Details
The Southern Interconnection pipeline would transport liquefied natural gas from the US to Bosnia, reducing dependence on Russian supplies. The project is estimated to cost €300 million for the pipeline and an additional €900 million for three power plants. Funding is expected to come from equity and debt, with no specified returns for the involved parties.
Controversy and Lack of Transparency
There has been no competitive tender for the project, which Transparency International warns could lead to catastrophic consequences in a country with high corruption levels. The EU ambassador privately cautioned Bosnian leaders to consult Brussels on energy policy changes to avoid missing integration opportunities. Despite this, the US embassy in Sarajevo has publicly endorsed the partnership, stating it strengthens energy independence.
Political Implications
The Trump administration's support for AAFS comes amid warming relations with Milorad Dodik, the ultranationalist Bosnian Serb leader who seeks to break up the country. Sanctions against Dodik were lifted in October without explanation. Donald Trump Jr. visited Banja Luka in April, where he praised US gas exports. Dodik has since indicated he will not obstruct the pipeline project.
Critics argue that the deal risks exchanging Russian influence for American leverage, with little accountability. The Guardian's investigation highlights how international relations are evolving under a presidency where government policy and personal enrichment are increasingly intertwined.
