Illegal business operation identified on state-owned land in Protaras

A massage business has been operating without a permit since 2022 on a 3,715-square-meter plot of state-owned coastal land in Protaras. The property was leased to the Paralimni Municipality exclusively for use as a parking lot, with no permanent structures or subleasing rights permitted. Following inspections, authorities discovered unauthorized wooden structures, including a pergola, a gazebo, and a storage facility within a designated beach protection zone. The Ministry of Interior has ordered the demolition of the illegal structures to take place within the coming days. The Legal Service has instructed the police to initiate a criminal investigation regarding potential official negligence. Responsibility is currently being disputed between the Paralimni Municipality, the Famagusta EOA, and the District Administration. The Ministry of Interior, through spokesperson Margarita Kyriakou, confirmed that the government is awaiting further updates from police investigations. Officials are now tasked with restoring legal compliance at the site.