The immediate demolition of an unauthorised massage parlour operating on a state-owned coastal plot in Protaras was ordered by the interior ministry on Monday, while a parallel police investigation has launched into possible corruption.

The decision, issued under instructions from minister Constantinos Ioannou, comes after authorities concluded that no permit had ever been granted for the business – offering massage services, which had been advertised on social media – which has reportedly operated for around three years within a designated beach protection zone.

“Instructions were given to the district EOA” after an investigation found that only a permit for parking use had been issued in 2014, interiopr ministry spokesperson Margarita Kyriakou said.

She added that “no permit was given by the ministry nor the district EOA” for the construction or operation of the business and that demolition crews were instructed to proceed “by tomorrow” to remove the structures.

The premises, reportedly include a pergola used for massage services, a kiosk and a storage unit.

According to the ministry, 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, but explicitly prohibits subleasing and any permanent or commercial construction.

Kyriakou said complaints from neighbouring hotel owners triggered inspections and that “a massage business operates in this particular space, while normally it should not, because it is prohibited based on the lease.”

She added that 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.

The case has also drawn in the legal service as well as the police following complaints submitted by legal representatives alleging dereliction of duty, abuse of power and possible corruption.

As reported in Politis, on the instructions of the attorney-general, George Savvides, a letter dated January 14, 2026 ordered a criminal investigation into how the encroachment of state land continued unchecked since 2022, including examination of whether officials failed to act.

A separate inspection conducted by the Famagusta district land office found that the business operates entirely within the beach protection zone and on state land, without the legally required approval from the cabinet for any construction.

The inspection confirmed that no consultation or permit had been issued for a change of use.

The dispute centres on a leased coastal parcel of 3,715 square metres.

Authorities estimate that the operation has generated significant private income while occupying public land without authorisation.

The municipality distanced itself from responsibility, stating that it was informed of a “small construction made of cheap materials” in 2025 and sought legal guidance.

In a statement issued on Monday, it said it was advised that “the issue does not fall within their competence” following local government reforms that transferred enforcement powers to other bodies.

It has called on competent authorities to proceed with removal of all illegal structures.

However, the ministry maintains that responsibility for enforcement remains shared across district administrations and that delays in action contributed to the continuation of the breach.