US Sanctions Iranian Firms Linked to Bitcoin Maritime Toll Scheme

OFAC designates two Iranian maritime insurers and eight petroleum entities, blocking assets tied to the shadow fleet collecting Bitcoin tolls for safe passage.

Woofun AI reports that the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control added HormuzSafe Marine Services Authority and Persian Gulf Marine Insurance Company to its Specially Designated Nationals list on July 29. These firms are blocked counterparties for U.S. persons and transactions involving the United States. A separate component of the action designated eight companies operating in Iran’s petroleum sector and identified eight vessels as blocked property. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict-liability basis, meaning persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction can face liability without knowing a transaction was prohibited.