Warning Issued by Greece’s MARIKS Agency

On Monday, Greece’s maritime risk management agency MARIKS alerted shipping companies about a scam involving individuals posing as Iranian authorities. These scammers are reportedly promising safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for ransoms, which they insist be paid in cryptocurrencies.

At least one vessel seems to have been deceived by these fraudulent promises, leading to an attack by Iranian forces as it tried to navigate the strait.

MARIKS stated that unidentified individuals, masquerading as Iranian officials, are reaching out to ship owners. They offer what they call safe passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz for a “transit fee” to be settled in either Bitcoin or Tether.

One of the fraudulent messages, as cited by MARIKS, claimed, “After submitting your documents and having your eligibility assessed by the Iranian Security Service, we will decide on the fee in cryptocurrency (BTC or USDT). Only then will your vessel be cleared for transit at a pre-arranged time.”

The Greek security agency stressed that these communications are fraudulent. It seems that the scammers are capitalizing on concerns that Iran might actually start charging tolls for safe passage, potentially demanding millions for each vessel.

In a statement, Iranian lawmaker Somae Rafiei alluded to a plan being discussed in the parliament to implement fees for tolls and taxes for countries using the Strait of Hormuz, particularly regarding transportation, energy, and food security. “Security in the straits is established with strength, authority, and dignity by the Islamic Republic of Iran, and countries must pay taxes in return,” Rafiei noted.

In an earlier May report, Iranian officials mentioned that they had begun collecting fees of one dollar per barrel of oil from tankers passing through the strait, which they claimed could be paid in cryptocurrency. The largest oil tankers carry up to two million barrels, making the stakes quite high.

On April 12, President Donald Trump declared that vessels paying any form of ransom or toll to Iran would be barred from transiting the Strait of Hormuz by US Navy forces. The Iranian government has since denied claims that it has charged fees for safe passage to certain ships.

It appears that at least one Indian oil tanker, the Sunmar Herald, has been targeted in this turmoil. Though it managed to pay for safe passage, it was attacked by Iranian forces regardless. MARIKS indicated that this vessel might have fallen victim to scammers.

Recently, reports surfaced of crew communication from the Sunmar Herald during the attack, where a crew member urged the Revolutionary Guards Navy to cease fire and allow the ship to retreat. “This is the motor tanker Sunmar Herald. You have given me clearance to depart. My name is the second on your list. You are firing now. Let me turn back,” a crew member conveyed.

Iranian state media confirmed that two Indian vessels, including the Sunmar Herald and another bulk carrier, Jag Arnav, were attacked by Iranian forces while on the way to India. Both ships reportedly sustained damage during the incident.

In response to the attacks, the Indian government summoned the Iranian Ambassador, expressing “deep concern” about the situation. Indian Foreign Minister Vikram Misri noted that while Iran had previously allowed multiple vessels bound for India to pass without incident, he didn’t clarify whether India had paid any ransom for these crossings.

The Ministry of External Affairs of India has urged Iran to “resume the process of facilitating the crossing of ships destined for India as soon as possible.”