Scammers Posing as Iranian Authorities Demand Bitcoin or USDT as "Passage Fee," Multiple Vessels Scammed and Attacked Even After Payment

BlockBeats News, April 22nd. According to CoinDesk, scammers posing as Iranian authorities have demanded cryptocurrency payments in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and at least one ship may have fallen victim to the scam. Greek maritime risk management company Marisks issued a warning stating that several shipping companies have received fraudulent messages impersonating Iranian officials requesting payment in Bitcoin or USDT. The company believes that at least one ship fell prey to the scam over the weekend and was reportedly fired upon while attempting to transit the strait. Marisks stated, "This specific information is a scam," and confirmed that the related messages did not originate from the Iranian government.

The original fraudulent message publicly released by Marisks stated, "Upon submitting the required documents and having your vessel assessed by the Iranian Security Department, we will determine the fees to be paid in cryptocurrency (BTC or USDT). Only then can your vessel transit the strait at the agreed time." Since the US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28th, the passage through the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively blocked by Iran. Currently, around 20,000 oil tankers and other cargo ships are stranded in the Gulf. A week ago, US President Trump ordered a naval blockade of the strait and has since seized an Iranian vessel attempting to evade the action.

On April 9th, the Iranian authorities controlling the strategic waterway proposed charging cryptocurrency tolls for ships to ensure safe passage. Hamid Hosseini, a spokesperson for the Iranian Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Products Exporters' Union, suggested that the toll could be settled in Bitcoin. Iran has not yet commented on Marisks' warning.