Scammers Impersonate Iranian Authorities, Demand Crypto for Safe Passage Through Hormuz

Fraudulent messages are being sent to shipowners, requesting cryptocurrency payments in exchange for unhindered passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with reports suggesting at least one vessel may have fallen victim to the scam. According to a warning issued by Marisks, a Greek maritime risk services company, several shipping companies have received messages from scammers claiming to be Iranian authorities, demanding bitcoin or USDT payments. The firm believes that at least one ship was duped and came under fire while attempting to navigate the strait over the weekend. The blockade of the strait, imposed by Iran since February 28, has stranded approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters in the Gulf. The U.S. and Israel initiated a conflict with Iran, prompting a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, with one Iranian vessel seized for attempting to evade the operation. Recently, Tehran proposed the introduction of cryptocurrency tolls for vessels seeking safe passage, with fees likely to be paid in bitcoin. Marisks has assured that the messages are scams and did not originate from official Iranian sources. The fake 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 at a pre-agreed time. The shipping company has not responded to requests for comment.