An Indian-linked vessel was lured into a crypto scam promising safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz — only to be fired on shortly after, in what analysts say is a sign of total breakdown in control over one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.
Maritime security warnings indicate that fraudsters posing as Iranian authorities have been sending messages to ships, demanding payment in cryptocurrency such as Tether (USDT) in exchange for guaranteed transit through the strait.
At least one vessel appears to have fallen for the trap.
According to accounts circulating among maritime observers, the ship’s captain believed clearance had been granted after payment was made — but the vessel was later targeted by gunfire as it attempted to pass.
Audio from the incident, widely shared online, captures a distressed voice repeatedly calling out over radio: “Sepha Navy, Sepha Navy,” in an apparent attempt to reach naval authorities as the situation escalated.
The clip has not been formally authenticated, but its timing and content align with a series of incidents involving ships coming under fire while attempting to exit the Gulf.
India has already confirmed that two of its flagged vessels were attacked in recent days, underscoring the growing danger for commercial shipping caught between military escalation and collapsing coordination.
Traffic through Hormuz has effectively ground to a halt, with only a handful of ships attempting passage compared to around 140 per day before the crisis.
What is emerging is not just a military standoff — but a vacuum of authority where ships are being misled, extorted, and attacked in the same corridor.
In Hormuz, even those who believe they have permission to pass are finding out it means nothing.
