Tanker owner rejects cryptocurrency scam allegations

• Sanmar Group rejected claims that its Indian-flagged tanker paid a cryptocurrency ransom for safe passage.
• The vessel was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend despite claiming to have received Iranian clearance.
• The denial follows warnings from a maritime risk firm regarding fraudulent messages targeting stranded shipping companies.

Sanmar Group the company that owns an Indian-flagged tanker attacked in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend has categorically denied allegations that the vessel fell victim to a cryptocurrency scam.

In a statement sent to BBC addressing the rumors, Sanmar Group labeled the claims as "completely false." The company added that it is actively coordinating with the Indian government to ensure the vessel’s safe passage.

Read more: Crypto to pass Hormuz? Scammers posing as Iran authorities defraud ships

The attack and disputed clearance

The tanker was targeted during the weekend despite the ship's captain stating that the vessel had been granted explicit clearance by Iranian authorities to navigate the waterway.

The incident occurred amid a surge in regional maritime tensions. Following Iran's announcement that it had closed the strategic strait again on April 18, there have been multiple reports of ships being struck, with several vessels claiming they had received prior approval to transit.

Fraudulent transit offers

Sanmar Group's public denial comes in response to an alert issued by the Greek maritime risk management firm Marisks.

According to the firm's warning, several shipping companies with vessels currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz have been targeted by fraudulent communications.

These messages allegedly promise safe passage through the blocked area in exchange for payments made in cryptocurrency.