MARISKS Warns of Crypto Scams for Hormuz Passage

A Greek maritime risk management firm has warned shipping companies of fraudulent messages offering safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for cryptocurrency payments, as ongoing blockades leave hundreds of vessels and about 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf region.

MARISKS issued the alert on Monday, stating that unknown actors posing as Iranian authorities had contacted owners of ships stuck west of the strait. The messages demand vessel documents for review by supposed Iranian security services, followed by a transit fee payable in Bitcoin or Tether. "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," one such message read, according to the firm. "Only then will your vessel be able to transit the strait unimpeded at the preagreed time." MARISKS emphasized that these communications are scams and not issued by Iranian officials. Tehran has not commented on the matter.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments, carries roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas. Tensions escalated after...