Scammers Promise Secure Transit Through Hormuz in Exchange for Cryptocurrency

Shipping companies have been targeted by fraudulent messages offering safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for cryptocurrency payments, with at least one vessel reportedly falling victim to the scam. According to Reuters, Marisks, a Greek maritime risk services company, has issued a warning about the scam, which involves messages from individuals posing as Iranian authorities asking for bitcoin or USDT payments. The firm believes that at least one ship has been duped and was subsequently fired upon while attempting to navigate the strait. The incident occurs amid a blockade of the strait by Iran, which has resulted in approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters being stranded in the Gulf. The US has initiated a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and seized an Iranian vessel attempting to evade the operation. Recently, Tehran proposed the introduction of cryptocurrency tolls for vessels seeking safe transit through the strait, 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 assessing eligibility, the Iranian Security Services will determine the cryptocurrency fee to be paid, allowing the vessel to transit the strait unimpeded at a pre-agreed time.