Fraudsters posing as Iranian authorities have reportedly sent messages to shipping companies whose ships are stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz, demanding payment in cryptocurrencies for protected passage.
On Monday, maritime risk firm Marisks issued a warning that unknown groups had contacted shipowners, claiming to represent Iranian security services and demanding transit “fees” in Bitcoin (BTC) or USDT (USDT) in exchange for passage through the strait. According to to Reuters.
“These particular messages are a hoax,” Maririsks allegedly stated, adding that they did not come from Iranian authorities. Tehran has not publicly commented on these claims.
Alerts arise when the strategic waterway remains largely closed Closed after the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical bottleneck for global energy flows, previously handled about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports before the escalation of hostilities in the region.
Earlier this month, reports said Iran was considering imposing a tariff payable in Bitcoin on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with empty tankers allowed to pass freely while others could charge a fee of around $1 per barrel of oil.
Related: Iran Sees BTC as a Strategic Asset, but USD Still Dominates Oil Rates: BPI
The cryptocurrency transit fee scam requires verification documents
The reported scam messages instruct recipients to submit documentation for verification before being assigned a “fee” payable in cryptocurrencies, after which protected transit will allegedly be provided at a pre-agreed date.
In one example cited by Marisks in the message, it was stated that Iranian security services will assess eligibility before determining payment in BTC or USDT, making cryptocurrency transfers a condition for unimpeded flow.
The company also suggested that at least one ship that recently came under fire while trying to leave the strait may have received such false instructions, although this information has not been independently verified.
Cointelegraph reached out to Marisk for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Related: Bitcoin community weighs in on reports of crypto fees in Iran for oil ships
Cryptocurrency payments to Iran may trigger sanctions risk: chain analysis
Shipping companies considering paying transit fees in cryptocurrencies to Iran could face earnest sanctions, according to Chainalytic senior intelligence analyst Kaitlin Martin.
She told Cointelegraph that any payments related to Iranian-controlled waterways could be considered “material support,” potentially violating U.S. and international sanctions against entities such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Warehouse: Bitcoin won’t reach $1 million by 2030, says veteran trader Peter Brandt
