Strait of Hormuz passage obstructed, ships stranded in Persian Gulf targeted by scammers
Ships currently stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz have recently received fraudulent messages claiming that payment in cryptocurrency would guarantee safe passage. This situation arises amid ongoing US blockades of Iranian ports and a re-closure of the Strait after a brief opening, prompting warnings to shipping companies about these scams.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 19:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 21, 2026 at 20:01 (31 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 21:00 (58 min after Collected)
Athens, April 21 (CNA comprehensive foreign news report) Some shipping companies' vessels are currently trapped west of the Strait of Hormuz. It is reported that these companies recently received fraudulent messages from parties claiming that by paying cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Tether, they could ensure the safe passage of their ships through the waterway.
According to Reuters, during the continuous US blockade of Iranian ports, Iran first lifted the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and then reimposed it. Before the war, about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas was transported through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian authorities, who control this strategic waterway, had proposed charging ships for safe passage through the strait during ceasefire negotiations.
However, MARISKS, a Greek maritime risk management company, warned shipowners yesterday that unidentified individuals, claiming to represent Iranian authorities, had sent messages to some shipping companies, demanding payment for passage in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Tether.
MARISKS stated, "This type of specific message is a scam," and that the senders are not Iranian authorities.
The Iranian government has not yet commented.
Currently, hundreds of ships and approximately 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Persian Gulf.
On April 18, Iran briefly opened the strait and conducted inspections. During this time, some ships attempted to pass, but at least two vessels, including an oil tanker, reported being fired upon by Iranian ships, forcing them to turn back.
MARISKS stated that it is believed that at least one of the ships that attempted to leave the strait on the 18th and was fired upon fell victim to these scams.
Reuters could not verify the relevant information or track the companies that received the messages. (Compiler: Yang Chao-yen) 1150421
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force for safeguarding journalistic freedom.
Download the CNA "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.
According to Reuters, during the continuous US blockade of Iranian ports, Iran first lifted the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and then reimposed it. Before the war, about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas was transported through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian authorities, who control this strategic waterway, had proposed charging ships for safe passage through the strait during ceasefire negotiations.
However, MARISKS, a Greek maritime risk management company, warned shipowners yesterday that unidentified individuals, claiming to represent Iranian authorities, had sent messages to some shipping companies, demanding payment for passage in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Tether.
MARISKS stated, "This type of specific message is a scam," and that the senders are not Iranian authorities.
The Iranian government has not yet commented.
Currently, hundreds of ships and approximately 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Persian Gulf.
On April 18, Iran briefly opened the strait and conducted inspections. During this time, some ships attempted to pass, but at least two vessels, including an oil tanker, reported being fired upon by Iranian ships, forcing them to turn back.
MARISKS stated that it is believed that at least one of the ships that attempted to leave the strait on the 18th and was fired upon fell victim to these scams.
Reuters could not verify the relevant information or track the companies that received the messages. (Compiler: Yang Chao-yen) 1150421
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force for safeguarding journalistic freedom.
Download the CNA "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.