Fraudulent emails offering safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for cryptocurrency payments are being circulated to commercial vessels, according to maritime security consultancy Marisks.
In a safety briefing reviewed by Reuters, Marisks said it had examined messages sent to ship operators proposing guaranteed transit in return for payment. The firm stated these communications were scams and not issued by Iranian authorities.
The warnings follow reports that Iran had outlined a payment mechanism in March for vessels seeking passage through the Strait. Fees were reported to reach up to $2 million, payable in cryptocurrency or Chinese yuan. The process described included applying for permission, undergoing a safety check and receiving instructions for transit.
Reports indicated that pricing could vary depending on vessel nationality. Ships completing payment were said to receive a code to transmit near Larak Island, along with a designated time window for transit.
Iranian media cited a member of parliament stating that transit fees were being introduced in response to conflict-related costs, while also asserting authority over the Strait.
Marisks reported that at least one vessel responded to fraudulent emails. According to Reuters, the ship attempted to transit after making a payment but was fired upon by Iranian gunboats and informed it did not have authorization.
The situation in the Strait remains unclear. Iran has at times stated the waterway is closed, although vessel tracking has shown limited movements continuing. Some ships have altered routes toward the Iranian side or along the coast of Oman, while others are believed to be transiting without active tracking signals.
