Greek maritime risk management firm MARISKS has issued a warning regarding fraudulent messages promising safe ship transit through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for cryptocurrency.
According to the security firm, such fake messages were sent to some shipping companies whose ships are moored to the west of the waterway.
In the latest development, Iran once again imposed blockade on the Strait of Hormuz after the US stuck to its stand of not lifting the blockade of Iranian ports. The strait is of vital importance as a major transit route, shipping 20 percent of the world’s oil and energy supplies.
In the wake of the continued blockade, some fraudsters or rogue actors claiming to represent Iranian authorities have been involved in a scam demanding transit fees in Bitcoin or Tether to facilitate withdrawals.
“These specific messages are a scam,” the firm said, adding that the messages were not sent by Iranian authorities.
“After providing documents and assessing your eligibility by Iranian security services, we will be able to determine the fee to be paid in cryptocurrency (BTC or USDT). Only then will your vessel be able to transit without hindrance at the pre-agreed time,” the message quoted by MARISKS said.
Iran has not issued any comment on the scandal warning. Till now, hundreds of ships and around 20,000 sailors are stranded in the gulf.
With renewed hopes of reaching a peace deal, both US and Iranian officials are expected to resume high-level talks in Pakistan.
