A new wave of fraudulent messages targeting global shipping companies has emerged amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints. According to a warning issued by Greek maritime risk management firm MARISKS, scammers are attempting to exploit the ongoing crisis by offering 'safe passage' to stranded vessels—in exchange for cryptocurrency payments. The fraudulent messages, sent to companies whose ships are currently stuck near the Strait, falsely claim to represent Iranian authorities, demanding payments in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) or Tether (USDT), promising secure transit through the volatile waterway. MARISKS has categorically stated that these communications are not legitimate and are not associated with any official Iranian entity, urging shipowners and operators to remain cautious and avoid engaging with such requests. As reported by The Economic Times, the messages specifically state: '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.'
The scam represents a significant disruption to legitimate maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global shipping. As reported by maritime security sources, the fraudulent operations are creating security concerns for legitimate shippers who rely on the strait for safe passage. The incident involves fraudulent operators claiming to provide secure transportation for Bitcoin and USDT cryptocurrency shipments, with reports of at least one ship being duped and fired upon. The situation escalated further on April 18, when Iran briefly reopened the strait under strict checks, with several ships attempting to pass through but at least two vessels—including an oil tanker—reported being fired upon by Iranian boats, forcing them to retreat. According to The Economic Times, MARISKS believes that at least one of the vessels, which tried to exit the strait on Saturday and was hit by gunfire, was a victim of the fraud. The U.S. has maintained its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has lifted and then re-imposed its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passed before war broke out in the Middle East.
The timing of these scams is particularly concerning as the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of geopolitical tension. The United States has maintained a blockade on Iranian ports, while Iran has intermittently imposed restrictions on the strait. Before the conflict, nearly 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passed through this narrow maritime corridor. Now, the disruption has left hundreds of vessels and around 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf region. MARISKS believes that at least one of the vessels fired upon may have fallen victim to the ongoing scam, although independent verification is still pending. Amid ceasefire talks, Tehran, which controls the chokepoint, has proposed tolls on vessels to safely transit the strait.
This incident highlights a growing trend of cyber-enabled fraud in global conflict zones. The use of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Tether allows scammers to operate anonymously, making it extremely difficult for authorities to trace or recover funds. Experts warn that during periods of instability, industries like shipping, logistics, and energy become prime targets for such schemes due to urgency and financial stakes. The scam specifically targets cryptocurrency-related shipments, suggesting that digital asset transportation through maritime routes has become a high-value target for criminal operations. As noted by The Economic Times, the fraudulent messages are part of a broader pattern where unknown actors are claiming to represent Iranian authorities to exploit the current maritime crisis. Reuters was not able to verify the information or track companies that had received the message.
