Crypto Ransom Schemes Target Ships Trapped Near the Strait of Hormuz

by

Scammers seek crypto payments from ships stranded near Strait of Hormuz

Reuters reports that the maritime risk firm MARISKS has warned shipping companies about fraudulent messages being sent by unknown individuals. These messages target companies with vessels currently stuck in waters west of the Strait of Hormuz.

Summary

  • MARISKS warned that scammers demanded bitcoin or USDT from shipping firms seeking passage near the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Fraud messages promised safe transit as hundreds of ships and about 20,000 seafarers remained stranded there.
  • The scam emerged as ceasefire uncertainty, port blockades, and vessel attacks kept maritime risks elevated.

Reports indicate that messages are being sent demanding bitcoin or USDT to allow ships to pass through the waterway, falsely claiming to be from Iranian authorities.

One message instructed shipping companies to provide ship documentation to Iranian security for approval before they could receive a crypto-based transit fee quote. The message promised that payment would ensure the ship’s passage at the scheduled time.

Strait disruption creates room for fraud

This fraud came to light as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was already disrupted by various restrictions. The U.S. had been blocking Iranian ports for approximately a week, and Iran had briefly closed the strait before reopening and then closing it again.

Before the recent conflict in the Middle East, this key waterway carried roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. Now, hundreds of ships – and around 20,000 sailors – are stuck in the Gulf. The ongoing problems are also leaving shipping companies vulnerable to misleading offers for safe passage.

MARISKS reported that a ship targeted by Iranian boats on April 18th may have been involved in a scam. While they didn’t confirm any payments were made, they worry the ship may have reacted to the fraudulent communication before being attacked.

The report also revealed the scam occurred after Iran suggested charging ships a fee for safe passage through the strait during ceasefire negotiations. According to the Financial Times, Tehran asked for up to $2 million per tanker, accepting payment in cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, as of April 8th.

According to Hamid Hosseini, a representative from Iran’s oil exporters’ union, the current cost is approximately $1 for each barrel of oil.

Ceasefire deadline keeps shipping risks in focus

The warning followed ongoing, unclear diplomatic efforts. According to the BBC, President Trump stated the U.S. will maintain its restrictions on Iranian ports until an agreement with Iran is made.

The current agreement preventing conflict between the U.S. and Iran is set to end on April 23rd. It’s uncertain if another round of peace discussions will happen in Pakistan, which means shipping companies still need to deal with ongoing security concerns and the possibility of fraud in the region.

Read More

2026-04-21 13:16