Malaysia Revokes License of Network School of Former Coinbase CTO Balaji Srinivasan

Malaysia shuts down Network School activities in Forest City. The state of Johor revokes the business licence of the organisation, founded by former Coinbase CTO Balaji Srinivasan, and demands that all operations cease by 22 July 2026.

Decision based on legal review

Onn Hafiz Ghazi, the Chief Minister of Johor, stated via social media that the state fully supports the decision of the Iskandar Puteri Municipal Council. The council took the decision during a special meeting, basing it on applicable legislation, inspection reports and enforcement findings, as well as statements submitted by the company itself.

According to Reuters, the licence revocation follows a procedure in which all parties involved were given the opportunity to present their views. It is therefore not an abrupt measure, but a decision taken at the end of a formal process.

Israeli participants trigger investigation

The problems for Network School began after messages appeared on social media claiming that the programme was housing participants from Israel. This is a sensitive issue because Israel and Malaysia do not maintain diplomatic relations. The allegations led to an inspection by the Malaysian immigration department.

That inspection, carried out in the week before the decision, revealed that the Network School participants who were checked all carried valid travel documents. Nevertheless, this was not enough for the Johor authorities to let the matter rest. The municipal council decided to revoke the licence anyway and ordered the organisation to end all activities in Forest City by 22 July 2026.