A critical maritime security warning has been issued as sophisticated cryptocurrency scams target global shipowners, exploiting geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Security firm MARISKS confirms fraudulent messages impersonating Iranian authorities are circulating, demanding Bitcoin and USDT payments for 'safe transit clearance' amid the ongoing blockade—a stark reminder of how digital assets are increasingly weaponized in global conflict zones while highlighting their immutable transaction transparency as a potential forensic tool.

Scammers chase stranded shipowners with fake crypto fee offers

MARISKS said the fake message is telling companies to send documents first, and that Iranian security services would review the vessel and set a fee payable in BTC or USDT.

Only after payment, the message allegedly claimed, would the ship be allowed to pass through the strait at a set time without interference.

“After providing the documents and assessing your eligibility by the Iranian Security Services, we will be able to determine the fee to be paid in cryptocurrency (BTC or USDT). Only then will your vessel be able to transit the strait unimpeded at the pre-agreed time.”

MARISKS said at least one vessel may have fallen for the fraud, and believes one ship that tried to leave the strait on Saturday and came under gunfire was likely a victim. Reuters said it could not verify that claim or identify the companies that received the messages.

On April 18, Cryptopolitan reported that Iran briefly reopened the strait, but only with checks. And yeah at least two vessels, including a tanker, later allegedly reported that Iranian boats fired shots at them and forced them to turn back.

Iran attacks ships on Hormuz, triggering Indian protests

Ship traffic through Hormuz briefly picked up over the weekend, then slowed again, with LSEG data showing at least 20 ships crossed the strait on Saturday, including oil tankers, dry bulk carriers, and container ships.

One was the tanker FPMC C Lord, which moved through carrying 2 million barrels of Saudi crude bound for Taiwan. By Sunday, traffic had nearly frozen. On Monday, oil prices rose about 6% while traffic stayed low. At least seven ships used the route that day.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre said Iran’s Revolutionary Guard fired on a tanker on Saturday, while an unknown projectile struck a container ship. The vessels were apparently Indian.

New Delhi told Iran it was deeply concerned after two ships under the Indian flag were attacked in the Strait. On Sunday, the U.S. Navy fired on an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, and Marines took control of it.

Trump said the vessel had been trying to break the U.S. naval blockade of Iran. Washington also moved on oil sanctions. On Friday, the Trump administration renewed a one month waiver on Russian oil at sea. Two days earlier, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had said the waiver would not be renewed.

A similar one month waiver allowing Iran to export crude and products expired on Sunday. India, a major buyer of Russian crude since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, added three more Russian insurers for marine cover.

That brings the total to 11 Russian firms recognized by India, though they are outside the International Group of P&I Clubs, which provides liability cover for injury and cleanup claims for most tankers.

On Truth, Trump said, “Operation Midnight Hammer was a complete and total obliteration of the Nuclear Dust sites in Iran. Therefore, digging it out will be a long and difficult process. Fake News CNN, and other corrupt Media Networks and Platforms, fail to give our great aviators the credit they deserve.”

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