Ministry of Interior orders demolition of illegal massage parlor in Protaras

On April 27, the Cypriot Ministry of Interior ordered the immediate demolition of an unauthorized massage parlor operating on state-owned land in Protaras. The facility, which includes a pergola, kiosk, and storage unit, has operated without permits since approximately 2022-2023 within a beach protection zone. The 3,715-square-meter plot was leased by the state to the Paralimni-Deryneia municipality in 2014 exclusively for use as a public parking area, with prohibitions against subleasing or commercial construction. Inspections, triggered by complaints from neighboring hotel owners, confirmed the illegal land use. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou instructed the district administration to proceed with the demolition of the structures. While the ministry maintains that no permits were issued, a dispute exists regarding administrative oversight, with the municipality and district authorities shifting responsibility for the unauthorized construction. Attorney General Giorgos Savvidis has ordered a police investigation into potential corruption surrounding the operation.