A Bitcoin toll scam appeared in the Strait of Hormuz, and after a ship paid, it was still shelled

According to CoinDesk’s April 22 report, Marisks, a maritime risk services firm in Greece, issued a warning saying scammers are impersonating Iranian authorities and sending messages to multiple shipping companies to demand Bitcoin or USDT as “tolls” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Marisks confirmed that the relevant messages are not coming from official Iranian channels, and, according to Reuters, said it believes at least one ship was deceived and still came under shelling when it attempted to pass over the weekend.

Marisks Warns: Original Scam Message vs. Verification Statement

According to the scam message posted publicly by Marisks, the message’s original text states: “After submitting the documents and having our eligibility assessed by Iran’s security departments, we will determine the fee that must be paid in cryptocurrency (BTC or USDT). At that time, your vessel may pass through the strait freely during the agreed time.”

In its statement, Marisks said, “These specific messages are a scam,” and confirmed the content is not from any official Iranian channel. According to Reuters, Marisks believes that after at least one ship paid following deception, it was still shelled when it tried to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Strait of Hormuz Background: Blockade Situation and Iran’s Official Crypto Fee Proposal

According to public reports, since the war between the United States and Israel against Iran began on February 28, 2026, Iran has essentially blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and currently about 20,000 tankers and cargo ships are stuck in the bay. About a week ago, U.S. President Trump ordered a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and has already seized an Iranian vessel that attempted to evade the blockade.

On April 9, 2026, Hamid Hosseini (a spokesperson for the Federation of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Petrochemical Products Exporters), said that Iran had previously proposed charging vessels transiting through the strait a crypto toll, with the fee possibly calculated in Bitcoin. As of the time of CoinDesk’s report, Iran had not yet responded to the Marisks scam warning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who issued the warning about the crypto toll scam for the Strait of Hormuz?

According to CoinDesk’s April 22, 2026 report, the warning was issued by Marisks, a maritime risk services firm in Greece. Marisks confirmed the scam messages are not from official Iranian channels and indicated it believes that at least one ship was deceived and shelled when it attempted to pass through the strait.

What cryptocurrencies did the scam message request, and what did it claim the funds were for?

According to the scam message published by Marisks, the scammers requested Bitcoin (BTC) or USDT, claiming that paying would ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Did Iran officially propose charging transiting vessels crypto fees?

According to public reports, on April 9, 2026, Hamid Hosseini, a spokesperson for the Federation of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Petrochemical Products Exporters, said Iran had proposed charging crypto tolls, with the fee possibly calculated in Bitcoin; however, the scam messages warned about by Marisks have already been confirmed as not coming from official Iranian channels.