Shipping firms have allegedly received communications from scammers claiming to be from the Iranian government, requesting payment in crypto to ensure the safe passage of their vessels that are stuck west of the Strait of Hormuz.
Reports indicate that unknown parties have approached shipowners posing as representatives of the Iranian security forces, demanding transit “fees” in Bitcoin or USDT as payment for Strait passage. A warning was issued on Monday by maritime risk business Marisks, as reported by Reuters.
The messages in question are fraudulent, according to Marisks, who also claimed that they were not sent by Iranian officials.
The important canal has been mostly blocked since the onset of hostilities in the Middle East, prompting the alarms. Before tensions rose in the area, the Strait of Hormuz—a key chokepoint for global energy flows—was responsible for exporting around 20% of the world’s oil and LNG.
Exploiting Geopolitical Tensions
Earlier this month, there were rumors suggesting that Iran was contemplating implementing a crypto-based levy on ships using the Strait of Hormuz. It was said that empty tankers would be exempt from the price, while other ships may be charged around $1 per barrel of oil.
According to the hoax communications, in order to get safe passage at a pre-arranged time, the receiver must first submit paperwork for verification and then be allocated a “fee” payable in crypto.
Marisks mentions a message in which the Iranian security services frame cryptocurrency transfers as a need for unfettered transit, stating that they would determine eligibility before deciding on payment in Bitcoin or USDT.
Chainalysis senior intelligence researcher Kaitlin Martin warns that shipping businesses contemplating paying Iranian transit costs with cryptocurrencies might be severely sanctioned.