Fraudsters posing as Iranian authorities have reportedly targeted shipping firms with vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, demanding cryptocurrency payments in exchange for safe passage.
According to maritime risk firm Marisks, the scammers contacted shipowners claiming affiliation with Iranian security services and requested “transit fees” in Bitcoin or Tether. The company stressed that these messages are fraudulent and not linked to official Iranian authorities. Tehran has not commented publicly on the claims.
The warnings come as the vital shipping corridor remains largely disrupted amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments typically pass—has become a focal point of concern following the outbreak of conflict.
Earlier reports suggested Iran had considered introducing a tariff system for vessels transiting the strait, potentially payable in Bitcoin, with some ships charged based on cargo volume. However, the current scam messages appear unrelated to any official policy.
Crypto “transit fee” scam tactics
The fraudulent communications reportedly instruct recipients to submit verification documents before being assigned a crypto-denominated fee, promising safe transit at a scheduled time once payment is made.
In one example cited by Marisks, the message claimed Iranian security services would first assess eligibility and then determine the required payment in Bitcoin or USDT—presenting the transfer as a prerequisite for unimpeded passage.
Marisks also suggested that at least one vessel recently targeted by gunfire while attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz may have received similar fraudulent instructions, though this has not been independently verified.
Crypto payments could carry sanctions risks
Shipping firms considering crypto payments tied to transit through Iranian-controlled waters may face significant legal exposure, according to Chainalysis. Senior intelligence analyst Kaitlin Martin warned that such transactions could be interpreted as “material support,” potentially breaching US and international sanctions.
These risks are particularly acute when payments could be linked to sanctioned entities such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is subject to extensive financial restrictions.
