Scammers Impersonate Iranian Authorities, Demand Cryptocurrency for Hormuz Strait Passage on April 21

According to MARISKS, a Greek maritime risk management company, unidentified individuals impersonating Iranian authorities sent messages to shipping companies on April 21 demanding cryptocurrency payments for safe passage through the Hormuz Strait. The company confirmed these messages are fraudulent and not from Iranian authorities. At least one vessel that attempted to exit the strait was hit by gunfire after falling victim to the scam.

Hundreds of vessels and approximately 20,000 sailors remain stranded in the Persian Gulf region as Iran has reblocked the Hormuz Strait in response to U.S. port sanctions.