Scammers Pose as Iranian Authorities to Extort Stranded Shipowners in Bitcoin and Tether

Gate News message, April 21 — Unknown actors sent fraudulent messages to shipping companies with vessels stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz, claiming to be Iranian authorities and offering safe passage in exchange for fees paid in Bitcoin or Tether, according to Greek risk firm MARISKS. The messages instructed companies to submit documents for review by Iranian Security Services, after which a fee in BTC or USDT would be determined. Only upon payment, the messages alleged, would vessels be allowed to transit the strait unimpeded at a pre-agreed time.

MAISKS said at least one vessel may have fallen victim to the fraud. The firm believes a ship that attempted to leave the strait on Saturday and came under gunfire was likely a victim of the scam. Hundreds of ships and approximately 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Gulf region.

Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz has become increasingly volatile. Iran briefly reopened the waterway on April 18 with limited checks, allowing at least 20 vessels to cross on Saturday, including oil tankers, dry bulk carriers, and container ships. However, Iranian forces fired on at least two vessels, including a tanker flagged to India. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard fired on a tanker on Saturday, while an unknown projectile struck a container ship. New Delhi expressed deep concern over the attacks on Indian-flagged vessels.

Ship traffic slowed significantly by Sunday, with only seven vessels using the route on Monday. Oil prices rose approximately 6% amid the reduced traffic and heightened tensions. The U.S. Navy also fired on an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman on Sunday, with Marines subsequently taking control of the vessel.