Fraudsters Demand Cryptocurrency from Stranded Ships in Hormuz
- Maritime risk firm Marisks reported that scammers posed as Iranian authorities, demanding transit fees in Bitcoin (BTC) or USDt (USDT) from shipping companies.
- The scam messages requested documentation for verification before purportedly granting safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran has not confirmed these claims, and the Strait remains largely closed due to ongoing regional conflict, which previously accounted for about one-fifth of global oil exports.
- Reports indicated Iran was considering charging a tariff in BTC for ships passing through the strait, with fees estimated at around $1 per barrel of oil.
- Chainalysis warned that payments linked to Iranian waterways could expose shipping companies to sanctions risks under U.S. and international laws.
The fraudulent messages highlight the dangers faced by vessels in a critical maritime route, where safety is being exploited for financial gain amid geopolitical tensions. With Iran’s potential plans to impose crypto tariffs on oil shipments, compliance with sanctions becomes increasingly complex for shipping firms.
Shipping companies must navigate these scams carefully, as engaging with such demands could lead to severe legal repercussions due to sanctions exposure related to Iranian-controlled waters.(Source)
