Scammers Demand Bitcoin and USDT for Ship Passage Through the Strait of Hormuz

Highlights:

• MARISKS warned that fake messages offered ships Strait of Hormuz passage for Bitcoin or Tether.
• Scammers posed as Iranian officials and targeted shipping companies with delayed vessels.
• The fraud appeared as tensions and transit disruption continued across the Gulf region.

Scammers are pretending to be Iranian officials and asking shipping companies to pay in cryptocurrency so their vessels can pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Greek maritime risk firm MARISKS issued the warning on Monday after finding fake messages that offered safe passage in exchange for Bitcoin (BTC) or Tether (USDT). The firm said the messages were fraudulent and were not approved by Iranian authorities.

Strait of Hormuz Disruption Raises Risks for Global Shipping

The Strait of Hormuz is a key global shipping route. It lies between Iran and Oman and carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Any disruption there can quickly affect fuel prices, trade flows, and supply chains around the world.

The warning came as hundreds of ships and about 20,000 seafarers remained delayed in the Gulf region. Tensions grew after Iran briefly reopened the strait to transit on April 18, then reversed its decision. During that short period, at least two ships, including an oil tanker, said Iranian boats fired at them and forced them to turn back. MARISKS believes one of those vessels may have been targeted by the crypto scam.

Crypto Payment Scam Targets Stranded Vessels

The fake messages follow a simple pattern. Scammers posing as Iranian officials contact shipping companies and make an offer. They ask the companies to send vessel documents for review. After reviewing the documents and eligibility, they say the fee must be paid in cryptocurrency. The message adds that once the Bitcoin or USDT payment is confirmed, the ship will be allowed to pass through the strait at an agreed time without problems.

This scam plays on fear and pressure. Shipping companies facing delays, extra costs, and safety risks may feel pressured to respond quickly. That is exactly what the fraudsters want. They use cryptocurrency because payments are fast and usually irreversible. Crypto can also make it harder to identify who received the money.

The scam appeared after Iran proposed charging ships for safe passage through the strait during ceasefire talks. The Financial Times reported on April 8 that Tehran is seeking fees of up to $2 million per tanker. Payments could also be made in cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin. Hamid Hosseini, a spokesperson for Iran’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union, said the toll is set at about $1 per barrel of oil.

"Once the email arrives and Iran completes its assessment, vessels are given afew seconds to pay in bitcoin, ensuring they can't be traced or confiscated dueto sanctions," Hosseini added. pic.twitter.com/m5m2xxI9CH

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) April 8, 2026

At the same time, pressure in the region remains high. The BBC reported that Trump said the U.S. will keep blocking Iranian ports until Tehran reaches an agreement with Washington. The current ceasefire between the two sides is due to expire on April 23, while uncertainty remains about the next round of peace talks, expected to take place in Pakistan.

Bitcoin Outlook Remains Unclear as Geopolitical Tensions Rise

The wider tension is also affecting the crypto market. Bitcoin remains directionless for now. At the time of writing, BTC was trading at $76,369, up 1.7% in the past 24 hours. If Bitcoin stays above the $74,723 level, bullish momentum may continue and push the price toward $89,000.