Ars Technica22/4/2026CrimeUnited States
Crypto Scammers Target Ships Stranded Near Strait of Hormuz
Scammers pose as Iranian authorities demanding bitcoin payments for safe passage as shipping chaos escalates
En resumen
- Crypto scammers are exploiting confusion around the Strait of Hormuz by posing as Iranian authorities and demanding bitcoin or tether payments from stranded ships.
- Greek maritime risk management company MARISKS issued the first warning on April 20, alerting shipowners to fraudulent transit fee demands.
- About 2,000 ships and 20,000 mariners remain stranded near the strait, where shipping traffic has effectively halted since US and Israeli airstrikes began on February 28.
Resumen generado por IA
Tamaño de fuente
Crypto scammers are exploiting confusion around the Strait of Hormuz by posing as Iranian authorities and demanding bitcoin or tether payments from stranded ships. Greek maritime risk management company MARISKS issued the first warning on April 20, alerting shipowners to fraudulent transit fee demands. About 2,000 ships and 20,000 mariners remain stranded near the strait, where shipping traffic has effectively halted since US and Israeli airstrikes began on February 28. At least one ship may have fallen victim to the scam after being fired upon while attempting to pass through.
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This article was originally published by Ars Technica.
