Strait of Hormuz (archive image): The strait remains blocked. Source: asghar besharati/ap/dpa
There is uncertainty about the transit situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Fraudsters apparently want to take advantage of this and contact shippers under false names.
April 22, 2026, 12:56 p.mApril 22, 2026, 12:56 p.m
Julian Alexander Fischer / t-online
Fraudsters are apparently currently sending messages promising ships safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for payment. Several shipping companies have apparently already received a corresponding message, warned the Greek shipping risk management company MARISKS according to the Reuters news agency.
Accordingly, the unknown actors posed as representatives of the Iranian authorities and demanded transit fees in cryptocurrencies. Specifically, according to MARISKS it says:
«After you have submitted the documents and your eligibility has been verified by the Iranian security services, we can determine the fee to be paid in cryptocurrency (BTC or USDT). Only then can your ship pass through the Strait of Hormuz unhindered at the agreed time.”
MARISKS emphasized: “These specific messages are fraudulent.” According to Reuters, there was initially no comment from Iran.
It is still unclear who exactly received the messages and whether shipping companies complied with the request. However, MARISKS has suspicions. On April 18, two ships attempted to pass through after Iran briefly opened the Strait of Hormuz. However, they were shot at by Iranian boats and turned back. The shipping risk management company apparently believes at least one of the ships fell for the scam.
Sources used:
- reuters.com: Scam messages offering ships safe transit through Hormuz, security firm warnings