Fraudsters Impersonate Iranian Authorities, Extort Cryptocurrency 'Tolls' from Vessels Near Strait of Hormuz

On April 21, Greek maritime risk management company MARISKS warned that unidentified fraudsters are impersonating Iranian authorities, sending fraudulent messages to shipping companies stranded in the western part of the Strait of Hormuz, demanding payment of so-called ‘tolls’ in Bitcoin or USDT in exchange for safe passage through the strait. The company stated that at least one vessel, which was shot at by Iranian ships while attempting to navigate out of the strait on April 18, may be a victim of such a scam. Reports have previously indicated that Iran proposed charging a toll for vessels passing through the strait during ceasefire negotiations, with fees reaching up to $2 million per tanker, and allowing payment in cryptocurrency. Meanwhile, the U.S. maintains a blockade on Iranian ports, while Iran has both lifted and reimposed a blockade on the strait. Currently, passage through the strait is obstructed, leaving hundreds of vessels and approximately 20,000 seafarers trapped. The temporary ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire on April 23.