Crypto scam lures ships into Strait of Hormuz
9 hours ago
- #crypto-scam
- #maritime-security
- #Strait-of-Hormuz
- Crypto scammers are targeting ships stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, posing as Iranian authorities to demand 'transit fee' payments in bitcoin or tether.
- Iran has previously required cryptocurrency payments from oil tankers to pass through the strait, adding confusion as the strait is vital for global oil and gas supply.
- One ship on April 18 may have fallen victim to a scam, turning back after Iranian forces fired upon it during a claimed inspection window.
- The Liberia-flagged cargo ship Epaminondas was fired upon on April 22 after reportedly receiving fraudulent safe passage permission, with authorities investigating the incident.