Fraudsters Target Stranded Ships With Fake Safe Passage Offers Demanding Cryptocurrency In Hormuz

Shipping companies with vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz have been targeted by fraudulent messages demanding cryptocurrency payments in exchange for so-called safe transit, according to a warning issued by Greek maritime risk management firm MARISKS.

The firm said unknown actors posing as Iranian authorities had sent messages to some shipowners asking for payments in Bitcoin or Tether for “clearance” through the strategic waterway.

MARISKS described the messages as a scam and stressed they were not issued by Iranian authorities.

The warning comes as hundreds of ships and around 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Gulf amid continuing disruption linked to conflict in the Middle East.

According to MARISKS, the fake messages instructed companies to submit documents for assessment by “Iranian Security Services”, after which a cryptocurrency payment would allegedly be set before a vessel could transit the strait.

“Only then will your vessel be able to transit the strait unimpeded at the pre-agreed time,” one message cited by MARISKS stated.

The security firm said the fraudulent approach appeared designed to exploit confusion surrounding access to the waterway, where shipping movements remain heavily disrupted.

The United States has maintained its blockade on Iranian ports, while Iran has lifted and reimposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.

Before the outbreak of war in the region, roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed through the strait.

Amid ceasefire discussions, Tehran has also proposed tolls on vessels for safe transit, adding to uncertainty for shipowners navigating the crisis.

MARISKS issued its alert on April 21, warning that unknown actors were specifically targeting shipowners with vessels stranded west of the waterway.

The firm said at least one vessel that attempted to exit the strait on April 18 and came under gunfire may have been affected by the fraud.

On April 18, when Iran briefly reopened the strait subject to checks, several ships attempted to pass.

At least two vessels, including a tanker, later reported Iranian boats had fired shots at them, forcing them to turn back.

MARISKS said it believed one of those vessels may have been a victim of the scam operation, although Reuters said it could not independently verify that information or identify companies that received the messages.

There was no immediate comment from Tehran on the warning.

This adds a new fraud risk to an already difficult security situation in the Gulf, where shipowners, operators and crews are facing disruption due to conflict, blockades and uncertainty over safe passage.

Security experts have advised ship operators to be cautious of any unofficial payment demands and verify such messages through recognised authorities and trusted maritime security advisers.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a key route for global tanker traffic, and these fake safe-passage offers are likely to raise more concern among shipowners already dealing with operational risks and threats to crews.

References: thehindubusinessline, middleeastbulletin