Crypto Extortion Schemes Target Shipping Vessels in Blockaded Strait of Hormuz

Maritime risk services have issued urgent warnings regarding a surge in cryptocurrency-based extortion targeting shipping companies operating near the Strait of Hormuz. Scammers are posing as Iranian authorities, demanding payments in Bitcoin (BTC) or Tether (USDT) to guarantee 'safe passage' through the volatile chokepoint. The activity comes amid a severe geopolitical crisis following the initiation of war by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Since February 28, shipping traffic has been largely blocked, with an estimated 20,000 oil tankers and freighters currently stranded in the Gulf. This instability was further compounded by a U.S. naval blockade ordered by President Donald Trump. According to Marisks, a Greek maritime risk firm, the scammers use sophisticated messaging to convince shipowners that their eligibility for transit is contingent upon a cryptocurrency fee. The firm reported that at least one vessel was fired upon over the weekend after attempting to navigate the strait under the false impression that a payment had secured its safety. The situation underscores the extreme risk profile for global energy shipments. While Tehran had previously proposed official crypto tolls on April 9, the current wave of fraudulent messages is creating additional chaos for the thousands of vessels trapped in the region, potentially prolonging supply chain disruptions and increasing insurance premiums for maritime transit.