Scammers turn Strait of Hormuz crisis into opportunity: 'Crypto transit permit' trap

Risk management firms have issued a striking warning for ships stranded in the Persian Gulf. It has been reported that fraud attempts have increased in the region, where ship traffic has come to a standstill due to Iran closing passages in the Strait of Hormuz citing war, and the blockade imposed by the US.

PROMISE OF "SAFE PASSAGE" IN EXCHANGE FOR CRYPTOCURRENCY

Risk management companies reported that in messages sent to shipping firms, unidentified individuals have been posing as Iranian officials. It was stated that these individuals are demanding payments via Bitcoin and similar cryptocurrencies under the pretext of granting ships permission to pass through the strait.

It was emphasized that these messages have no connection to official authorities and are completely fraudulent.

TENS OF THOUSANDS OF SEAFARERS STRANDED

It was stated that hundreds of ships and approximately 20 thousand seafarers are continuing to wait in the strategic region, where approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas transport takes place.

In the shared fake messages, it was claimed that after the submission of ship documents, approval would be obtained from Iranian security units, the amount of the crypto payment would then be determined, and passage would be granted following this process.

ALLEGATION THAT AT LEAST ONE SHIP WAS DEFRAUDED

A Greece-based risk management firm announced that they assess that at least one of the ships, which was stopped after Iranian boats opened fire while trying to exit the strait on April 18, had been subjected to this fraud method.

TENSION IN THE REGION INCREASES CONFUSION

The war process in Iran, the US blockade on Iranian ports, and the Tehran administration's imposition of restrictions on strait passages while offering official fee proposals were cited as factors increasing uncertainty in the region.

According to field data, it was reported that fire was opened on a tanker and another ship attempting to pass through the strait, which was opened in a controlled manner for a short time on April 18, and both ships were forced to turn back.

While Reuters reported that it could not independently verify the companies that received the fraud messages, it announced that the Tehran administration has not yet made a statement regarding the allegations.

Experts stated that during this period, while Iran's control over the strategic transit point and the US blockade continue, ship owners must be cautious against cryptocurrency payments requested through fake demands.

News Source: 12punto