The first warning of such a crypto scam came from the Greek maritime risk management company MARISKS on April 20, according to Reuters. The company alerted shipowners that scammers posing as Iranian authorities had sent messages to shipping companies asking for 'transit fee' payments in bitcoin or tether.
A 'workable system' of transit and shipowner confidence in the security of the transiting vessels is essential. This includes availability of insurance for transiting vessels, facilitating commercial trade financing, and sustained outbound vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump ordered the U.S. Navy on Truth Social to 'shoot and kill' any Iranian boats laying mines with 'no hesitation.' This directive comes amid concerns over new mines in the Strait of Hormuz, which could deepen the largest oil supply disruption in history.
"As we have made clear, we will pursue global maritime enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran - anywhere they operate. International waters are not a refuge for sanctioned vessels."
Global stock markets have fallen and oil and gas prices have soared since Monday, the first day of trading after US and Israeli attacks on Iran on Saturday (February 28) and Iran's response by targeting major oil and gas infrastructure in the region. Brent crude rose about 7% on Tuesday to breach $80 (69) a barrel, having soared by as much as 13% at one stage on Monday.
