Safe Passage Through Hormuz For Bitcoin? Scam Messages Hit Shipping Companies

Last Updated:April 21, 2026, 17:47 IST

MARISKS said unknown actors claiming to represent Iranian authorities contacted some shipping firms demanding transit fees in Bitcoin or Tether.

Fraudulent messages promising safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for cryptocurrency have been sent to shipping companies whose vessels remain stranded near the waterway, according to a warning issued by Greek maritime risk management firm MARISKS. The alert comes as tensions continue around the strategic chokepoint, where hundreds of vessels and around 20,000 seafarers remain stuck amid competing blockades and military restrictions linked to the wider West Asia conflict.

MARISKS said unknown actors claiming to represent Iranian authorities contacted some shipping firms demanding transit fees in Bitcoin or Tether in return for “clearance" to move through the Strait.

“These specific messages are a scam," the firm said, adding that the communications were not sent by Iranian authorities.

What Did Scam Messages Claim?

According to the warning, the fraudulent messages asked companies to submit vessel documents for review and then pay a fee in cryptocurrency before receiving permission to pass. One message cited by MARISKS read, “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."

Read more: Trump Says Iran Breached Ceasefire Multiple Times As Islamabad Peace Talks Window Closes

The use of official-sounding language and references to Iranian security agencies appeared designed to exploit confusion during an already volatile maritime crisis.

Why Are Ships Stranded?

The US has maintained its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has repeatedly imposed and lifted restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, a route that previously handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments before the conflict escalated. During ongoing ceasefire discussions, Tehran has also floated the idea of tolls for ships seeking safe transit through the waterway.

Read more: ‘Ready For Any Option’: Iranian Envoy Says Tehran Poised For Peace, Puts Ball In US’ Court

Were Any Ships Affected By Scams?

MARISKS said it believes at least one vessel that attempted to exit the Strait on Saturday and later came under gunfire may have been targeted by the scam. On April 18, when Iran briefly reopened the Strait subject to inspections, several ships attempted to pass. At least two vessels, including a tanker, reported that Iranian boats fired warning shots, forcing them to turn back.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. Any disruption there affects global energy flows, freight costs, insurance premiums and fuel prices.

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