Shipping companies with vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz are being targeted by fraudulent messages promising safe passage in exchange for cryptocurrency payments.
Greek maritime risk management firm MARISKS has warned that these messages are scams and are not linked to Iranian authorities.
The situation comes as tensions remain high in the region. The United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has repeatedly imposed and lifted restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, a key global route that previously handled about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments before conflict escalated in the Middle East.
As ceasefire discussions continue, Iran, which controls the strategic chokepoint, has suggested charging tolls for vessels to pass safely. Against this backdrop, MARISKS reported that unknown actors posing as Iranian officials have contacted shipping companies, asking for transit fees in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Tether in exchange for clearance.
The firm stressed that these messages are fraudulent and urged shipowners to remain cautious. There has been no immediate response from Tehran regarding the claims.
Meanwhile, hundreds of ships and around 20,000 seafarers remain stuck in the Gulf. On April 18, when Iran briefly allowed controlled passage through the strait, several ships attempted to move through. However, at least two vessels, including a tanker, reported coming under fire from Iranian boats and were forced to turn back.
MARISKS believes at least one ship that tried to exit the strait over the weekend and came under gunfire may have been affected by the scam. However, the claims have not been independently verified, and it remains unclear which companies received the fraudulent messages.
If this article helped you, please consider supporting our work. Every small contribution keeps Abijita.com independent and running.
According to the alert, the scam messages told recipients that after submitting documents and undergoing review by Iranian security services, a fee in cryptocurrency would be set. Only after payment, the message claimed, would vessels be allowed to pass through the strait without interference at a scheduled time.
