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

Shipping companies are being targeted by fraudulent messages asking for cryptocurrency payments in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with at least one vessel reportedly falling victim to the scam. According to a report by Reuters, Marisks, a Greek maritime risk services company, has issued a warning about scammers posing as Iranian authorities and demanding 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 warning comes as shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains largely blocked by Iran, with approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters stranded in the Gulf. The blockade was initiated by the US and Israel, and has since been enforced by a naval blockade ordered by US President Donald Trump. In response, Tehran has proposed the introduction of cryptocurrency tolls for vessels seeking safe transit through the strait, with bitcoin being the likely currency of choice. Marisks has assured shipowners that the messages are scams and do 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 pass through the strait unimpeded. The shipping company has not responded to requests for comment.