Fraudsters hit ships in Strait of Hormuz with million-dollar crypto scams
Oil tanker (Photo: Getty Images)
Taking advantage of the volatile situation in the Strait of Hormuz, scammers have started extorting money from ship captains under the guise of providing safe passage. Vessels receive messages from Iranian authorities offering to pay a fee in cryptocurrency, according to the specialized maritime portal The Maritime Executive.
Experts have checked the electronic messages sent to ships and confirmed that this is pure fraud. The criminals hide behind the official narrative that Iran introduced its own transit rules back in March. The main details of the Iranian plan:
- Payment of up to 2 million dollars;
- Payments accepted in cryptocurrency or Chinese yuan;
- Mandatory security check and obtaining a special permit.
However, the actual cost of passage is not fixed and depends on the rating of the country under whose flag the ship sails. Vessels that receive approval must transmit a special PIN code near Larak Island.
Attacks instead of a "green corridor"
The report emphasizes that scammers are exploiting crews' fear of having their vessel detained. The company Marisks confirmed that at least one ship has already fallen victim to the deception. The captain believed a fake letter and made the payment.
When his vessel tried to exit the strait, instead of a free passage, the crew was met by Iranian gunboats. The military opened fire on the ship. The sailors were told they had no permit to pass at all.
What led up to these events
Earlier, a spokesman for the central headquarters of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya organization stated that transit through the Strait of Hormuz has returned to a regime of strict military control. Iran explained this decision by the actions of the US, specifically the naval blockade, which Tehran called piracy.
At the same time, other Iranian officials say that against the backdrop of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, Tehran has resumed shipping. However, permanent opening is only possible if a deal is reached with the US.
Meanwhile, oil tanker owners are cautious about any statements. Some vessels, after attempting to pass through the strait, turn back or stop near the entrance.
