Scammers impersonate Iranian authorities, offering 'secure passage' through Hormuz in exchange for cryptocurrency

Shipowners have been targeted by fake messages asking for cryptocurrency payments in return 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 firm, has issued a warning about the scam, stating that several shipping companies have received messages from scammers pretending to be Iranian authorities and requesting bitcoin or USDT payments. The company believes that at least one ship has been duped and was fired upon while attempting to pass through the strait over the weekend. The Strait of Hormuz has been largely blocked by Iran since February 28, following the initiation of a war by the US and Israel, leaving approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters stranded in the Gulf. In response, US President Donald Trump ordered a naval blockade of the strait and seized an Iranian vessel trying to evade the operation. Tehran, which controls the strait, proposed introducing cryptocurrency tolls for vessels in exchange for safe transit on April 9, with the fees likely to be paid in bitcoin. Marisks issued its alert on Monday, stating that the messages did not originate from official Iranian sources. The scam messages reportedly read: 'After providing the documents and assessing your eligibility by the Iranian Security Services, we will be able to determine the fee to be paid in cryptocurrency (BTC or USDT). Only then will your vessel be able to transit the strait unimpeded at the pre-agreed time.'