ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - A large number of illegal groups have invaded public spaces in downtown Baghdad’s busy streets, turning them into parking lots and fake garages, despite the government’s efforts to crack down on them in the past. 

“Many groups have randomly invaded Baghdad’s downtown streets, turning them into parking lots,” Mohammed al-Rubaiy, spokesperson of the Baghdad municipality, told The New Region, adding “this act contradicts Baghdad municipality’s regulations."

Earlier this month, security forces in Baghdad heavily cracked down on individuals misusing sidewalks and extorting motorists for parking fees, arresting nearly 40 people, Rubaiy said.

The official said that the government struggles to solve the issue as the groups are large in number.

“The municipality of Baghdad cracks down on these groups and arrests them in coordination with the local security forces, but other people replace them,” he noted.  

Acting as if they own the streets, the groups charge each motorist 5,000 dinars for parking fees in front of shops, clinics and restaurants, according to Rubaiy.

Authorities in Baghdad regulaly crack down on crimes in Baghdad on various charges including human traficcking, and a lack of work permits.