India’s shipping ministry rejected reports that the captain of tanker Sanmar Herald paid cash or crypto to Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry labeled the claims “fake news.”
Sanmar Shipping Ltd issued an official statement labeling the reports “completely false.” Moreover, the shipping ministry’s additional secretary, Mukesh Manga, confirmed that no payments were made.
“News is spreading about a reported payment by the captain of the vessel Sanmar Herald in US dollar to persons claiming to represent the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy to grant passage, and fell victim to cyber criminals. We spoke with the owner of the vessel, and he confirmed that it is fake news and no such incident had happened,” he said.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) likewise rejected claims that the tanker was deceived by scammers.
Follow us on X to get the latest news as it happens
The clarifications follow allegations that Sanmar Herald had been a victim of a crypto scam. BeInCrypto reported that Greek maritime risk firm MARISKS alerted the shipping industry on Monday to fraudsters demanding digital asset payments.
Messages posing as Iranian authorities request transit fees in Bitcoin (BTC) or Tether (USDT) for fake clearances. Meanwhile, MARISKS said scammers instruct shipowners to submit vessel documentation to supposed Iranian security services before quoting a fee.
The firm suggested that at least one vessel fired upon on April 18 may have been a victim of the scheme. However, it did not name the ship involved. India’s statement now separates the firing incident from any payment scheme.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch leaders and journalists provide expert insights
