DHAKA: Malaysia’s highest court on Tuesday upheld death sentences for two police officers convicted of murder in a sensational scandal linked to allegations of high-level corruption that shook the long-ruling regime.

Azilah Hadri and Sirul Azhar Umar had been convicted of the 2006 killing of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu, a 28-year-old model and interpreter.

Government critics have long alleged that the two men, members of an elite unit that guards top ministers, were scapegoats in the killing of Altantuya, who was at the centre of allegations of massive kickbacks in the US$1.1 billion 2002 purchase of French Scorpene submarines.

The remains of Altantuya, who was involved in negotiations for the submarines, were found in a jungle clearing near Kuala Lumpur after apparently being shot and her corpse blown up with military-grade explosives.

Adding to the intrigue, she was a lover of Abdul Razak Baginda - the man in charge of purchasing the submarines and a close associate of current Prime Minister Najib Razak, who was defence minister at the time of the deal.

Allegations have simmered for years that Altantuya was murdered to keep her quiet about purported kickbacks to high-level Malaysian officials.

The government has long refused calls for a wide-ranging inquiry and the subject is taboo.

Both of the accused deny killing Altantuya. Sirul has previously alleged he was being ‘sacrificed’ to protect others.

The Federal Court panel said on Tuesday that the two officers had both separately led investigators to the site where the body was found, which ‘strengthened the case’ against them.

A shocked-looking Azilah was led out of the courtroom Tuesday after the decision, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1834 HRS, JAN 13, 2015