Iranian Fire on Indian Tanker Allegedly a Victim of Deception on Hormuz Strait Permits

JAKARTA - A company related to the Greek maritime risk management system, MARISKS, suspects that the tanker ship that was shot by the Iranian military in the Strait of Hormuz last weekend was a victim of fraud.

The alleged MARISKS was in conjunction with their warning of a fraudulent modus operandi involving Iranian military agencies in the licensing process across the Strait of Hormuz reported by Al Jazeera on Tuesday, April 21.

MARISKS revealed that fraudsters in the name of the Iranian military sent messages to a number of shipping companies with the modus operandi of asking for transit fees in cryptocurrencies in exchange for ships being able to cross the Strait of Hormuz.

MARISKS said at least one ship was hit by Iranian military fire while trying to exit the world's fifth-largest oil and liquefied natural gas fuel pipeline on Saturday, April 18, was a victim of the scam.

Meanwhile, on Saturday morning, April 18, at least two Indian-flagged crude oil tankers "Jag Arnav" and "Sanmar Herald" were shot by the Iranian military while trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

No one was hurt in the incident and the Iranian military said the ship violated permission to break through the blockade in the Gulf waters.

"Sepah Navy (Iranian Navy), Sepah Navy. This is the Sanmar Herald tanker, you gave us permission to pass. Our name is number two on your list. You gave us permission to pass. You shot at us. Now let us turn around," said the voice of the crew (ABK) of the Iranian blockade tanker.

The Indian government after this incident lodged a protest against the Iranian government.