Scammers Posing as Iranian Authorities Extort Cryptocurrency 'Clearance Fees' from Ships Near the Strait of Hormuz

April 21 — Greek maritime risk firm MARISKS reports unidentified scammers are posing as Iranian authorities to send fraudulent messages to shipping firms stranded in the western Strait of Hormuz. They’re demanding payment in Bitcoin or USDT for a purported "customs clearance fee" to secure safe passage for the vessels through the strait. The firm noted at least one vessel was fired upon by Iranian ships on April 18 as it attempted to exit the strait—possibly falling prey to such a scam. Earlier reports indicated Iran proposed charging transit fees for vessels passing through the strait during ceasefire negotiations, with fees up to $2 million per oil tanker and crypto payments permitted. Meanwhile, the U.S. has maintained its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has alternately lifted and reinstated its own strait blockades. Currently, the strait is blocked, stranding hundreds of vessels and roughly 20,000 crew members. The U.S.-Iran temporary ceasefire agreement expires April 23.