Scammers Posing as Iranian Authorities Extort Cryptocurrency 'Clearance Fees' from Ships Near the Strait of Hormuz

BlockBeats News, April 21st. According to the Greek maritime risk management company MARISKS, unidentified scammers are posing as Iranian authorities and sending fraudulent messages to shipping companies stranded in the western part of the Strait of Hormuz. They are demanding payment in Bitcoin or USDT for a supposed "customs clearance fee" to ensure safe passage of the vessels through the strait. The company stated that at least one vessel was shot at by Iranian ships on April 18th while attempting to exit the strait, potentially falling victim to such a scam.

Earlier reports indicated that Iran had proposed charging a transit fee for vessels passing through the strait during the ceasefire negotiations, with fees of up to $2 million per oil tanker and allowing payment in cryptocurrency. Meanwhile, the U.S. has maintained its blockade of Iranian ports, and Iran has alternated between lifting and reinstating blockades in the strait. Currently, the strait is blocked, leaving hundreds of vessels and around 20,000 crew members stranded. The temporary ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire on April 23rd.