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TCT Strengthens the Fight Against Storage Spoofing Through New Collaboration Between Port of Rotterdam & VOTOB

  • Feb 6
  • 3 min read

Marijn van Schoote (directeur Ferm Zeehavens), Willem-Henk Streekstra (directeur VOTOB) en Ronald Backers (Business Intelligence, Havenbedrijf Rotterdam)

Vlnr: Marijn van Schoote (directeur Ferm Zeehavens), Willem-Henk Streekstra (directeur VOTOB) en Ronald Backers (Business Intelligence, Havenbedrijf Rotterdam)



The Port of Rotterdam is taking a powerful new step in combating storage spoofing—a form of digital fraud that costs international traders millions each year. With the signing of a new cooperation agreement between the Port of Rotterdam Authority and VOTOB, the existing working group is being expanded and reinforced. TCT The Commodity Traders is proud to play a key role within this working group, helping detect, analyze, and prevent fraudulent deals.



“Storage spoofing is een vorm van gedigitaliseerde criminaliteit, die de economie en de integriteit van de havens raakt, én de mensen die er werken. Het is daarom goed dat er met deze nieuwe samenwerking blijvende aandacht is om deze fraudevorm te bestrijden. We zijn erg blij dat Havenbedrijf Rotterdam en VOTOB die urgentie onderschrijven.” – Marijn van Schoote, directeur van Ferm Zeehavens

What is storage spoofing—and why is it so damaging?


Storage spoofing refers to fraud in which criminals offer non‑existent storage capacity or product volumes through fake websites that mimic legitimate tank storage companies.


The impact is significant:

  • International traders lose large sums to fake deals

  • Company names and terminal data are misused

  • The reputation of the port is harmed

  • In 2025, €2.5 billion in suspicious deals was reported to the working group

  • Estimated annual losses amount to at least €10 million in actual payments


For TCT—active in global commodity trading—this is a threat that directly affects market trust and integrity.


TCT’s role within the working group


Since 2024, TCT has been an official member of the working group dedicated to combating storage spoofing.


1. Due diligence & document verification

TCT investigates the legitimacy of proposed deals, documents, and digital communication. With our market expertise, we quickly identify inconsistencies, anomalies, or fraudulent patterns.


2. Identifying suspicious websites

We help determine which websites belong on the blacklist. This list now includes more than 1,250 domains and continues to grow.


3. Prevention through knowledge sharing

TCT shares insights on emerging fraud tactics and alerts the market early, helping traders stay protected.


4. Collaboration with partners

We work closely with:


  • Port of Rotterdam Authority

  • VOTOB

  • Seaport Police (Digital Expertise Team)

  • SIDN (for taking down .NL domains)


Together, we ensure fraudulent websites are detected and removed more quickly.


New milestone: launch of storagespoofing.nl


As part of the new collaboration, the platform www.storagespoofing.nl has been launched—a central hub where traders, terminals, and other stakeholders can find reliable information about:


  • How storage spoofing works

  • How to recognize fraud

  • Blacklists & whitelists

  • Practical tools and reporting channels


The platform is a joint initiative of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, VOTOB, TCT, and the Seaport Police.


Why this collaboration matters for the sector


The Port of Rotterdam is a global powerhouse in energy and commodities. That makes it attractive for legitimate trade—and unfortunately also for fraudsters.

By joining forces, the sector gains:


  • Faster fraud detection

  • Better protection for international traders

  • Reduced reputational damage for terminals and the port

  • Greater awareness across the market

  • A safer digital trading environment


As Marijn van Schoote (Ferm Zeehavens) emphasizes, storage spoofing affects not only the economy but also the integrity of the port and the people who work there.


TCT remains committed to a secure trading environment


At TCT, we believe transparency, reliability, and collaboration are essential for a healthy commodity market.


Our involvement in this working group underscores our commitment to:


  • actively combating fraud

  • protecting trading partners

  • strengthening the integrity of the sector


We will continue to apply our expertise to identify, prevent, and fight storage spoofing—so traders worldwide can operate with confidence.


Want to learn more?


Visit the joint platform: www.storagespoofing.nl

Or contact TCT for information about due diligence, fraud prevention, or secure trading processes.


Source:

Original announcement by Storage Spoofing (in Dutch):



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