Shipping companies have been warned about fraudulent messages offering “safe passage” through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for cryptocurrency, as disruption in the region continues.
According to an alert issued by Greek risk management firm MARISKS, unknown actors have been posing as Iranian authorities and contacting shipowners with offers to secure “safe passage” through the strait. The messages request payments in Bitcoin or Tether in return for alleged transit approval.
The fraudulent communications claim that vessels must first submit documentation for review before being assigned a fee in cryptocurrency. Only after payment, the messages state, would ships be allowed to transit the waterway without interference. MARISKS stressed that these claims are not linked to any official Iranian institution.
There are also concerns that the scam may already have had real-world consequences. According to MARISKS, at least one vessel that attempted to transit the strait on April 18 and came under fire may have acted based on such fraudulent instructions.
Authorities have not confirmed any official Iranian involvement in such schemes, and no response from Tehran has been reported regarding the alert.
Security analysts note that the scam environment has developed alongside broader maritime disruption in the region, where competing enforcement actions, restricted navigation conditions, and unclear transit procedures have created uncertainty for operators.
MARISKS urged shipowners and operators to rely exclusively on verified maritime security channels and to treat any unsolicited payment requests as fraudulent.
