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

April 22 — Scammers posing as Iranian authorities are demanding cryptocurrency payments for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with at least one vessel reportedly falling victim to the ruse, CoinDesk reported. Greek maritime risk firm Marisks issued a warning that multiple shipping companies have received fraudulent messages impersonating Iranian officials requesting payments in Bitcoin (BTC) or Tether (USDT). The firm noted at least one ship was targeted over the weekend, with the vessel reportedly fired upon while attempting to transit the strait. “This specific information is a scam,” Marisks stated, confirming the messages did not originate from the Iranian government. The original fraudulent message, released publicly by Marisks, reads: “After submitting required documents and your vessel being assessed by the Iranian Security Department, we will determine fees payable in cryptocurrency (BTC or USDT). Only then can your vessel transit the strait at the agreed time.” Since the U.S. and Israel launched military action against Iran on Feb. 28, the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively blocked by Iran. Roughly 20,000 oil tankers and other cargo ships are currently stranded in the Gulf. A week ago, former U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a naval blockade of the strait and has since seized an Iranian vessel attempting to evade the measure. On April 9, Iranian authorities controlling the strategic waterway proposed charging cryptocurrency tolls for safe passage. Hamid Hosseini, spokesperson for Iran’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union, suggested the toll could be paid in Bitcoin. Iran has not yet commented on Marisks’ warning.