Hormuz Strait Now Seeing Cryptocurrency “Safe Passage Fee” Scam Messages

According to Reuters, Greek maritime risk management company MARISKS has warned that some shipping companies stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz have received fraudulent messages impersonating Iranian authorities, demanding payment of a “transit permit fee” in Bitcoin or Tether (USDT). These messages are scams and not issued by official Iranian authorities. MARISKS stated that the scam messages claim documents must first be submitted and assessed by the “Iranian Security Department” before the cryptocurrency fee is determined. Currently, approximately hundreds of vessels and around 20,000 seafarers are stranded in the Gulf. During Iran’s brief opening of the Strait on April 18, at least two vessels—including one oil tanker—were forced to turn back after Iranian vessels opened fire on them.