Maritime operators have been targeted by fraudsters impersonating Iranian security services, with scammers reportedly contacting shipowners whose vessels remain stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz and demanding cryptocurrency payments for safe transit.
Marisks, a maritime risk firm, issued a warning saying unknown actors messaged operators claiming to represent Iranian authorities and requesting transit “fees” payable in Bitcoin (BTC) or USDt (USDT). The firm said the communications are fraudulent and do not come from official Iranian bodies; Tehran has not publicly responded to the reports.
The alerts come as the strategic waterway remains largely closed amid broader regional hostilities. Before the recent spike in tensions, the Strait of Hormuz handled roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports, making it a critical global chokepoint.
Separate earlier reports suggested Iran was exploring charging a tariff denominated in Bitcoin for passage through waterways under its control, potentially allowing empty tankers to pass free while levying a fee on loaded vessels — reportedly around $1 per barrel in some accounts.
According to Marisks, the scam messages instruct recipients to submit verification documents; after review, the sender would allegedly assign a fee and arrange a safe transit once a crypto payment is received. Marisks cited an example where messages stated that Iranian security services would assess eligibility and demand payment in BTC or USDT as a precondition for unimpeded passage.
The firm also suggested a possible link between these fraudulent instructions and at least one vessel that was later struck by gunfire while attempting to leave the strait, though that connection has not been independently verified. Cointelegraph contacted Marisks for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Security analysts warn of additional risks beyond fraud. Chainalysis cautioned that shipping companies considering crypto payments tied to Iranian-controlled routes could expose themselves to substantial sanctions risk. Kaitlin Martin, a senior intelligence analyst at Chainalysis, said payments connected to Iranian-controlled waterways might be treated as providing “material support,” potentially violating U.S. and international sanctions aimed at entities such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Readers should treat these scam reports with caution, verify communications independently with known authorities and maritime partners, and consult legal and compliance advisers before considering any payments. The reporting outlet notes its commitment to independent, transparent journalism and encourages readers to confirm details from official sources.