A view of Baghdad city
Karrada
Baghdad police crack down on illegal paid parking, arrest five in Karrada
BAGHDAD — Security forces arrested five individuals in Karrada for illegally charging drivers to park on public roads and sidewalks, Baghdad Operations Command announced Saturday.
The arrests were carried out by a unit from the First Division of the Federal Police as part of a broader security plan for Ramadan, authorities said. The suspects allegedly converted public spaces into unauthorized paid parking areas, forcing motorists to pay fees for spots that should be free.
The detainees were transferred to legal authorities for further action.
The crackdown is part of a larger effort to combat illegal parking schemes in the capital. In August 2024, security forces launched a campaign against unlicensed parking operators in Mansour, where authorities arrested 36 people accused of running “fake garages” and obstructing public roads.
In Kut, Wasit governorate, taxi drivers and motorists have voiced frustration over shops and garages blocking roads, preventing vehicles from stopping in designated areas. Many have called on local authorities to intervene, citing growing congestion and a lack of enforcement.
