Forest City

Malaysia’s Chinese-backed Forest City, a $100bn luxury development, is facing reputational damage due to police raids. The project has attracted tech nomads and scammers, further complicating its status.

Malaysia’s Forest City, previously a China-backed 'ghost city', faces governance concerns after police uncovered two alleged online scam syndicates in 32 luxury homes, detaining 335 people. The raids highlight challenges in oversight as the project aims to become a hub for global wealth and mobile talent.

Malaysian police raided 32 premises in Forest City, Johor, targeting online scam operations, resulting in 335 arrests and the seizure of assets worth 1 million ringgit. The operation, conducted on July 15, focused on call centers linked to online fraud, according to police chief Ab Rahaman Arsad.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that Israeli nationals found in the country will be deported immediately due to Malaysia's lack of recognition of Israel. Authorities are investigating allegations that Israelis are involved in Network School, a digital nomad community in Johor, and Forest City, a China-backed development project.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that Israeli nationals found in the country will be deported immediately, as authorities investigate allegations that Israelis joined the Network School community in Johor's Forest City. The investigation follows claims that Israeli participants with dual nationality entered Malaysia using non-Israeli passports, violating immigration laws.

Malaysia's Johor state authorities are investigating Network School, a private co-living and co-working community in Forest City founded by American tech investor and former Coinbase chief technology officer Balaji Srinivasan. The probe follows allegations involving Israelis and raises concerns about immigration scrutiny and political sensitivities affecting the country's efforts to attract digital nomads and global tech talent.

Investor Balaji Srinivasan requested a meeting with the office of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after immigration officers raided his startup school in Forest City, a mega-development in Johor.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned that any Israelis found at a tech commune in Johor would be deported immediately due to Malaysia not recognizing Israel. The commune, called The Network School, was founded by former Coinbase executive Balaji Srinivasan in Forest City and is under a national security investigation.