Scammers Impersonate Iranian Authorities Demanding Bitcoin or USDT as 'Toll', Ships Attacked After Payment

On April 22, scammers impersonated Iranian authorities, demanding cryptocurrency payments in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with at least one ship reportedly falling victim to the scheme. Greek maritime risk service company Marisks issued a warning that several shipping companies have received scam messages posing as Iranian authorities, requesting payment in Bitcoin or USDT. The company believes that at least one ship became a victim of this scam over the weekend and was attacked by gunfire while attempting to pass through the strait. Marisks stated, “This specific information is a scam,” confirming that the related messages did not originate from Iranian officials. The original scam message released by Marisks stated: “After submitting documents and having them assessed by Iranian security authorities, we will determine the fees to be paid in cryptocurrency (BTC or USDT). Only then will your vessel be allowed to pass freely through the strait at the agreed time.” Since the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, passage through the Strait of Hormuz has essentially been blocked by Iran, with approximately 20,000 oil tankers and other cargo ships currently stranded in the Gulf. A week ago, U.S. President Trump ordered a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has since led to the seizure of an Iranian vessel attempting to evade the operation. On April 9, Iranian authorities controlling this strategic chokepoint proposed charging a cryptocurrency toll for ships in exchange for safe passage, with Hamid Hosseini, spokesperson for the Iranian Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Association, stating that the toll could be settled in Bitcoin. The Iranian authorities have not yet commented on Marisks’ warning.