17 taken to Yerevan police department in crackdown on illegal parking operations, extortion

Armenian authorities said 17 people were taken to Yerevan's Central Police Department following a joint enforcement operation targeting illegal paid parking operations and suspected extortion.

The operation, carried out on July 11 by the Yerevan Municipality's Public Order Service in coordination with the Interior Ministry's Police Guard and Community Police officers, resulted in the detention of individuals for further administrative proceedings, the city hall said.

According to the statement, 10 of those taken to the police department were suspected of operating paid parking services in violation of Armenian law, while seven others were suspected of illegally demanding money from motorists, conduct authorities described as suspected extortion.

Officials said the individuals were taken to the police department for their actions to be reviewed and for administrative reports to be prepared where warranted.

The Municipality says enforcement efforts will continue and warns that repeat administrative offenders could face tougher penalties under Armenian law, including increased fines.