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Criminals are exploiting global shipping companies with deceptive demands for passage fees in the Strait of Hormuz, requesting payments in Bitcoin and Tether as vessels are caught in the ongoing conflict in the Gulf.
The maritime risk consultancy MARISKS reported that unidentified parties have contacted shipowners, impersonating Iranian officials and offering safe passage through the strategic waterway for a fee payable in bitcoin.
MARISKS cautioned that these communications are illegitimate and have no affiliation with the Iranian government.
These warnings emerge amidst heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, which have disrupted one of the planet’s most vital energy routes. This maritime passage historically handled approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Military operations and evolving restrictions have resulted in hundreds of ships being idled west of the passage, impacting roughly 20,000 maritime personnel.
According to MARISKS, the fraudulent messages instruct companies to submit their vessel documentation for assessment by “Iranian Security Services.” Subsequently, a transit charge would be determined in Bitcoin or Tether. The senders falsely claim that ships would then be granted permission to proceed unhindered at a predetermined time.
MARISKS indicated that at least one vessel might have fallen prey to this deception. The firm suggested a possible link between this scheme and a ship that was fired upon while attempting to leave the strait, although definitive confirmation was not possible.
Reporters from Reuters were unable to independently verify which companies received these solicitations.
Utilizing Bitcoin for Payments in Iran
Earlier this month, reports surfaced suggesting that Iran was considering a policy to mandate transit toll payments in bitcoin for vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, framing this as a strategic move for a crucial energy corridor.
This proposed regulation would involve issuing payment requisitions prior to transit, with a tight deadline for settlement in bitcoin. The objective appears to be circumventing conventional financial systems while retaining authority over passage during a period of ceasefire between the US and Iran.
Security experts caution that any such payment demand carries inherent legal and financial hazards. Even if the funds do not reach entities under sanctions, corporations could still face repercussions under existing sanctions frameworks related to Iran.
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Information compiled from materials : bitcoinmagazine.com