Scammers Target Ships Stuck in Hormuz, Demand Crypto for 'Safe Passage'

Fraudulent messages are being sent to shipowners, asking for cryptocurrency payments in exchange for secure transit through the Strait of Hormuz, with reports suggesting at least one vessel may have fallen victim to the scam. According to Reuters, Marisks, a Greek maritime risk services company, has issued a warning after several shipping companies received messages from scammers impersonating Iranian authorities, requesting bitcoin or USDT payments. The firm believes that at least one ship was targeted and came under fire while attempting to navigate the strait over the weekend. The blockade of the strait by Iran, which began on February 28, has left approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters stranded in the Gulf. In response to the US and Israel's military actions, Iran has proposed the introduction of cryptocurrency tolls for vessels seeking safe passage. On April 9, Tehran suggested that crypto fees, likely in bitcoin, would be charged to ships. Marisks released its warning on Monday, stating that the messages did not originate from official Iranian sources. The fraudulent messages claim that upon providing documents and being assessed by the Iranian Security Services, a fee in cryptocurrency will be determined, allowing the vessel to transit the strait unimpeded at a pre-agreed time. The shipping company has not responded to requests for comment.