Crypto scammers have targeted vessels stuck near the Strait of Hormuz, promising safe passage in exchange for bitcoin or tether. MARISKS warned in mid‑April that messages from actors posing as Iranian officials demanded a “transit fee.” The Strait, a choke point that funnels a fifth of global oil, is under tight Iranian control, making such fraud especially dangerous.

One vessel, flagged Liberia and owned by Greek firm Technomar, reportedly received a green light to pass on April 18. After the ship turned back, Iranian forces opened fire, raising questions about the legitimacy of the clearance. Authorities are investigating whether the message purporting safe passage was a scam, echoing earlier alerts from Reuters and Ekathimerini.

MARISKS identified another ship that may have fallen victim when it attempted to transit during a brief window of permitted passage. Around 2,000 vessels and 20,000 mariners remain stranded near the strait, underscoring how vulnerable the industry is to both geopolitical tension and cyber‑phishing. The incident highlights the need for tighter verification of digital payment demands from state actors today.

The case shows a new frontier for maritime fraud: using Cryptocurrency to exploit shipping routes that are already contested. Shipping companies now face a double threat—political instability and digital deception. The industry must adopt stricter authentication protocols and educate crews on recognizing forged messages to protect vessels and crews from costly mistakes.