Abroad
Scammers offer cargo ships 'safe transit' through Strait of Hormuz in exchange for crypto payments
A vessel that was shot at on Apr. 18 is believed to have been a victim of the fraud.
April 23, 2026, 11:19 AM
Scammers claiming to represent the Iranian authorities have sent shipping companies demands for cryptocurrency in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Reuters reported that MARISKS, a Greek maritime risk management firm, warned that fraudulent messages have been sent to companies with vessels stranded on the waterway's west side.
On Apr. 20, MARISKS issued an alert to shipowners, warning them that unknown actors had sent some companies demands for clearance transit fees in cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin or Tether.
The firm said: "These specific messages are a scam."
About 20,000 seafarers remain stranded
According to Reuters, about 20,000 seafarers and hundreds of ships remain stranded.
On Apr. 18, Iran briefly opened the Strait of Hormuz, albeit with checks.
Ships tried to pass through, but at least two ships, including a tanker, had to turn around after they were shot at by Iranian boats.
MARISKS said it believed one of the vessels was a victim of the fraud, reported Reuters.
The scam message provided by MARISKS to Reuters said: "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."
Reuters noted that it was not able to verify or track companies that received the message.
Tehran and the U.S. had previously proposed tolls on vessels for safe transit during ceasefire talks.
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