Protaras, Cyprus. The interior ministry on Monday ordered the immediate demolition of an unauthorised massage parlour operating on a state-owned coastal plot in Protaras, as police opened an investigation into possible corruption.
Order issued after permit review
The decision was issued under instructions from Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou after authorities concluded that no permit had ever been granted for the business, which offered massage services advertised on social media and has reportedly operated for around three years within a designated beach protection zone.
Interior ministry spokesperson Margarita Kyriakou said instructions were given to the district EOA after an investigation found that only a permit for parking use had been issued in 2014.
Kyriakou said no permit was given by the ministry or the district EOA for the construction or operation of the business, and demolition crews were instructed to proceed by Tuesday to remove the structures.
Structures on state land leased for parking
The premises reportedly include a pergola used for massage services, a kiosk and a storage unit.
The ministry said these were erected on a state plot leased to the Paralimni-Deryneia municipality for use exclusively as a public parking facility.
The lease, first granted in 2014, is automatically renewed annually and explicitly prohibits subleasing and any permanent or commercial construction.
Complaints and enforcement measures
Kyriakou said complaints from neighbouring hotel owners triggered inspections and that a massage business was operating in a space where it was prohibited based on the lease.
She said the land was being used illegally and arbitrarily and confirmed that a clarifying circular would be sent to district EOAs to ensure enforcement powers were uniformly applied regardless of construction type.
Legal service and police involvement
The case has also involved the legal service and the police following complaints submitted by legal representatives alleging dereliction of duty, abuse of power and possible corruption.
What should authorities prioritise to ensure state-leased land is used only for its permitted purpose?
