Ships Near Hormuz Hit by Bold Cryptocurrency Scam

Maritime risk firm Marisks said the messages were fake and not linked to official Iranian authorities. The scammers allegedly requested vessel documents before assigning a cryptocurrency transit fee and promising scheduled clearance through the strait. Experts also warned that any real payments connected to sanctioned Iranian entities could create serious legal and sanctions risks.

Bitcoin Bribes and Blocked Ships

Fraudsters posing as Iranian authorities reportedly targeted shipping companies with vessels stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz, demanding cryptocurrency payments in exchange for safe passage through the waterway. 

According to maritime risk company Marisks, unknown groups contacted shipowners claiming to represent Iranian security services and instructed them to pay so-called transit “fees” in Bitcoin or Tether (USDT). Marisks warned that these communications were fraudulent and did not originate from any official Iranian body.

The scam messages allegedly asked recipients to submit company and vessel documentation for verification before being assigned a fee payable in cryptocurrency. Once payment was made, the senders promised that vessels would be allowed to transit the strait safely at a prearranged time. 

In some cases, the messages suggested that Iranian security officials would review the documents first and then determine the amount owed in Bitcoin or USDT. By presenting the process as an official clearance system, the fraudsters appear to be exploiting the confusion and fear caused by the geopolitical tensions in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz is still heavily disrupted due to conflict in the Middle East. The strait is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, and carries around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any instability there has immediate consequences for global energy markets, shipping insurance costs, and trade routes. 

Strait of Hormuz

Earlier speculation suggested Iran was considering legitimate tolls for ships using the strait, with some claims that fees could be charged in Bitcoin while empty tankers might pass free of charge. Those rumors likely helped make the scam more believable to shipping firms already dealing with uncertainty.

Experts have also warned that even if such payments were genuine, companies transferring cryptocurrency tied to Iranian-controlled waterways could face severe sanctions risks.