Greek maritime risk management company MARISKS has issued an urgent warning about a cryptocurrency scam targeting vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Scammers posing as Iranian security forces send messages to shipping companies, promising safe passage in exchange for Bitcoin or USDT transit fees.
Modus Operandi and Real-World Consequences
According to MARISKS, the fraudulent messages claim to represent Iranian authorities, requiring vessels to undergo an 'eligibility assessment' before paying a fee supposedly guaranteeing unimpeded transit at an agreed time. The company stressed that these communications are entirely fake. Although Tehran has recently floated the idea of official transit fees, this particular outreach does not originate from Iran.
The scam has already led to violent incidents. On April 18, 2026, after Iran briefly reopened the strait under inspection conditions, several ships attempted to cross. At least one tanker—believed to be a victim of this scam—paid the 'crypto permit' and then tried to exit, only to face warning shots and direct gunfire from Iranian vessels. The tanker was forced into a panicked 180-degree turn, narrowly escaping a more deadly confrontation.
Geopolitical Turmoil and Bitcoin's Resilience
The situation in the Persian Gulf remains volatile. The U.S. maintains a blockade of Iranian ports while Iran intermittently controls the strait through which 20% of the world's oil and LNG flows. An estimated 20,000 seafarers are currently trapped in the crossfire. Iran insists on transit fees, but the opaque collection system leaves shipping companies vulnerable to fraud—a gap scammers are eagerly exploiting.
Despite the escalating tensions, Bitcoin showed resilience, rebounding to $72,000 on April 22 and hitting an intraday high of $72,629. The leading cryptocurrency appeared unfazed by the collapse of U.S.-Iran peace talks and the Strait of Hormuz blockade fears, underscoring its market independence.
Industry Response and Fraud Prevention
MARISKS urges all shipping operators to exercise extreme caution and avoid paying any cryptocurrency fees to unverified third parties. Companies should maintain direct communication with official representatives. This incident also reignites debates on cryptocurrency anti-fraud measures and regulatory compliance in high-stakes geopolitics.