Scorpene & Altantuya case
The Scorpene submarine deal and the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu remain interconnected controversies in Malaysia. Altantuya, linked to an individual involved in the submarine procurement, was murdered in 2006; two police bodyguards were convicted of her killing. Allegations of commissions in the submarine deal have been investigated in Malaysia and pursued in French courts, with ongoing legal and public scrutiny. Recent developments include court rulings clearing the government of wrongful death liability, appeals by Altantuya's family, and continued scrutiny of the Scorpene procurement process.
Key facts
- Altantuya Shaariibuu was murdered in 2006, and two police bodyguards, Azilah Hadri and Sirul Azhar Umar, were convicted of her killing.
- The Court of Appeal cleared the Malaysian government of wrongful death liability in Altantuya's case, with rulings in January 2026 awarding and later reducing damages.
- Altantuya's family returned RM4.8 million in compensation to the government in February 2026 following court decisions clearing the state of liability.
- The family has sought leave to appeal verdicts that cleared the government, including a judicial review bid postponed in October 2026.
- Lawyers have urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to provide updates on its probe into the Scorpene submarine procurement deal.
- The Scorpene submarine deal has been subject to allegations of corruption and commissions, investigated in both Malaysia and French courts.
- Altantuya's father has pursued judicial review against police and the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) regarding the investigation into her murder.
- The family has described the pursuit of truth as a matter of public interest, stating they and the people of Malaysia deserve the full truth.
Analysis
The Scorpene submarine procurement deal and the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu have been linked in Malaysian public discourse due to allegations involving Abdul Razak Baginda, who was associated with both the deal and Altantuya. Altantuya was murdered in 2006, and two police officers, Azilah Hadri and Sirul Azhar Umar, were convicted of her killing and sentenced to death, though their convictions have undergone legal appeals. Over the years, Altantuya's family has pursued civil claims against the Malaysian government for wrongful death. Multiple court rulings, including decisions by the Court of Appeal and Federal Court, have cleared the government of liability, with damages awarded to the family being reduced or overturned on appeal. In early 2026, the family returned compensation payments following court decisions that cleared the government, including RM4.8 million in February and RM1.38 million in January. Despite these rulings, the family continues to seek legal remedies, including judicial review bids and appeals, particularly concerning unfinished investigations into affidavits by Azilah Hadri. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has been urged to provide updates on its probe into the Scorpene deal, with lawyers and activists calling for transparency. Allegations of corruption in the submarine procurement have also been investigated in French courts, though no conclusive findings have been reported in the supplied articles. The issue remains active, with ongoing legal challenges and public calls for accountability.
This explanation is generated from the cited news sources below. It states only what those sources support.
Timeline
Murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu
Altantuya Shaariibuu, a Mongolian national, was murdered in Malaysia; her body was discovered near a forest clearing in Shah Alam, Selangor.
news.google.comConviction of police officers in Altantuya’s murder
Two police officers, Sirul Azhar Umar and Azilah Hadri, were convicted of the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu and sentenced to death.
news.google.comFrench investigation into Scorpene scandal begins
French prosecutors opened an investigation into alleged corruption in the Scorpene submarine deal.
news.google.comRazak Baginda-DCNS comparison to Scorpene scandal
Analysts suggested the LCS naval procurement scandal repeated patterns seen in the Scorpene deal.
news.google.comRazak Baginda claims €30 million in Scorpene 'consultation fees'
Razak Baginda stated he received €30 million over Scorpene submarine 'consultation fees'.
news.google.comCall to bring back Sirul Azhar Umar and establish truth in Altantuya’s murder
Aliran urged authorities to bring back Sirul Azhar Umar from Australia and uncover the full truth behind Altantuya’s murder.
news.google.comRazak Baginda charged over Scorpene deal
Razak Baginda was charged in relation to the Scorpene submarine deal, according to a report.
news.google.comCourt rules in favor of Altantuya’s family in civil suit
Altantuya’s family won a civil suit against police officers, Razak Baginda, and the government.
news.google.comComprehensive timeline of Scorpene affair and Altantuya murder published
The Third Force released a detailed description of timelines, investigation outcomes, and personalities involved in the Scorpene affair and Altantuya murder case.
news.google.comLawyer states Altantuya's name appears in Scorpene after-sales contract
A lawyer stated that Altantuya Shaariibuu's name appears 'a number of times' in the after-sales services contract for Malaysia's Scorpene submarine procurement.
news.google.comAltantuya’s name appears in French probe
Altantuya Shaariibuu’s name was found in documents related to the French investigation into the Scorpene submarine deal.
news.google.comLawyer says Altantuya’s name appears in Scorpene after-sales contract
A lawyer stated that Altantuya’s name appears 'a number of times' in the Scorpene submarine's after-sales services contract.
news.google.comCall for Royal Commission of Inquiry into Altantuya’s murder
Malaysiakini published an article stating that Altantuya's murder case needed an RCI.
news.google.comCalls for RCI into Altantuya’s murder
Advocates called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu.
news.google.comMACC reopens Scorpene investigation and discovers new clues
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission reopened its investigation into the Scorpene submarine deal and reported discovering new clues.
news.google.comNajib denies link to Scorpene submarine bribery scandal
Najib Razak publicly denied any involvement in the Scorpene submarine bribery scandal.
news.google.comFrench prosecutors claim Najib had role in 2002 submarine deal
French prosecutors asserted that Najib Razak had a role in the 2002 Scorpene submarine deal.
news.google.comC4 Center calls for full govt cooperation in Scorpene probe
C4 Center urged the government to fully cooperate in the Scorpene scandal investigation.
news.google.comFresh allegations of Najib's involvement in tainted Scorpene deals
Aliran reported fresh allegations linking Najib Razak to the Scorpene submarine deals, renewing calls for action.
news.google.comComprehensive timeline of Scorpene and Altantuya case published
A detailed description of timelines, investigation outcomes, and personalities involved in the Scorpene affair and Altantuya murder case was released.
news.google.comChronology of Scorpene scandal published
NST Online released a detailed chronology of the Scorpene scandal.
news.google.comSirul’s latest ‘bombshell’ against Najib
Sirul Azhar Umar made new allegations against Najib Razak, prompting speculation about a potential lawsuit.
news.google.comLetter calling for reinvestigation of Altantuya’s murder
Malaysiakini published a letter urging the reinvestigation of Altantuya Shaariibuu’s murder case.
news.google.comCourt rules in favor of Altantuya’s family in civil suit
Altantuya’s family won a civil suit against the convicted police officers, Razak Baginda, and the Malaysian government.
news.google.comDemand to bring back Sirul and establish truth in Altantuya’s murder
Aliran reiterated the call to bring back Sirul Azhar Umar and uncover the full truth behind Altantuya’s murder.
news.google.comCall to bring back Sirul and establish truth in Altantuya’s murder
An appeal was made to return Sirul Azhar Umar from Australia and establish the full truth behind Altantuya’s murder.
news.google.comSirul makes latest allegation against Najib
Sirul Azhar Umar made a new 'bombshell' allegation implicating Najib Razak, raising questions about whether Najib would sue him in response.
news.google.comLetter calls for reinvestigation of Altantuya’s murder
A letter was published urging the reinvestigation of Altantuya Shaariibuu’s murder case.
news.google.comMACC reopens Scorpene investigation, discovers new clues
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) reopened its investigation into the Scorpene submarine deal and reported discovering new clues.
news.google.comMACC reopens Scorpene probe and finds new clues
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission reopened its investigation into the Scorpene submarine deal and discovered new clues.
news.google.comChronology of Scorpene scandal published by NST Online
NST Online released a detailed timeline of the Scorpene scandal.
news.google.comChronology of Scorpene scandal published
A detailed chronology of the Scorpene scandal was released, outlining key events and developments.
news.google.comMalaysia commutes death sentence of ex-PM Najib’s former bodyguard
Azilah Hadri, one of the police bodyguards convicted in Altantuya’s murder, had her death sentence commuted by Malaysia.
news.google.comFrench prosecutors claim Najib had role in 2002 submarine deal bribes
French prosecutors claimed Najib Razak had a role in the 2002 submarine deal and alleged bribery in the Scorpene scandal.
news.google.comNajib denies link to Scorpene submarine bribery scandal
Najib Razak denied any link to the Scorpene submarine bribery scandal.
news.google.comC4 Center calls for full govt cooperation in Scorpene scandal probe
C4 Center called for full government cooperation in the Scorpene scandal probe.
news.google.comFresh allegations of Najib's involvement in tainted Scorpene submarine deals
Fresh allegations of Najib's involvement in tainted Scorpene submarine deals renewed calls for action.
news.google.comFrench prosecutors move on Scorpene scandal as Malaysia stays silent
French prosecutors advanced their investigation into the Scorpene submarine scandal while Malaysian authorities remained silent on the matter.
news.google.comCourt allows Altantuya’s father to pursue judicial review against cops, AGC
Court allows Altantuya’s father to pursue judicial review against cops, AGC - Free Malaysia Today
news.google.comCourt of Appeal awards RM1.4mil to Altantuya family, clears government
[UPDATED] Court of Appeal awards RM1.4mil to Altantuya family, clears government [WATCH] - NST Online
news.google.comMalaysia wins appeal in lawsuit by family of murdered Mongolian woman Altantuya
Malaysia won an appeal in a lawsuit filed by the family of Altantuya Shaariibuu, clearing the government of liability.
news.google.comAltantuya murder: Family to appeal after court ruling cleared govt of liability
Altantuya's family said they would appeal after a court ruling cleared the government of liability in her murder.
news.google.comAltantuya’s family seeks leave to appeal verdict clearing govt of wrongful death
Altantuya’s family sought leave to appeal a verdict clearing the government of wrongful death.
news.google.comDefence debacles: From Scorpene sub to former army chief arrest
The Rakyat Post highlighted the Scorpene submarine deal as part of broader military procurement issues, including the arrest of a former army chief.
news.google.comCourt of Appeal reduces damages in Altantuya lawsuit to RM1.38mil
Court of Appeal reduces damages in Altantuya lawsuit to RM1.38mil - The Star
news.google.comAltantuya’s family to appeal verdict clearing govt of wrongful death
Altantuya’s family announced plans to appeal a verdict that cleared the government of wrongful death in Altantuya's murder.
news.google.comLawyer urges MACC to provide update on Scorpene submarine probe
Lawyer urges MACC to provide update on Scorpene submarine probe - NST Online
news.google.comShaariibuu’s lawyer enquires about status of MACC’s Scorpene probe
The lawyer for Altantuya Shaariibuu’s family inquired about the status of the MACC’s investigation into the Scorpene submarine deal.
news.google.comShaariibuu’s lawyer enquires about MACC’s Scorpene probe status
The lawyer for Altantuya Shaariibuu’s family inquired about the status of the MACC’s investigation into the Scorpene submarine deal.
news.google.comScorpene submarines probe: Sangeet presses MACC for updates
Sangeet pressed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for updates on the Scorpene submarines probe.
news.google.comAltantuya's family to pay back RM4.7mil, Court of Appeal clears govt
Altantuya's family was ordered to pay back RM4.7 million as the Court of Appeal cleared the government of wrongful death.
news.google.comAltantuya’s family and Malaysians deserve full truth
It was stated that Altantuya’s family and the people of Malaysia deserve the full truth regarding her murder and related controversies.
news.google.comAltantuya’s family and people of Malaysia deserve full truth
Aliran stated that Altantuya’s family and the people of Malaysia deserve the full truth about her murder and related matters.
news.google.comAltantuya's family refunds RM4.8mil to govt
Altantuya's family refunds RM4.8mil to govt - NST Online
news.google.comAltantuya's family returns damages to govt, in line with COA decision
Altantuya's family returned damages to the government in line with a Court of Appeal decision.
news.google.comAltantuya’s Family Returns RM4.8 Million Compensation Plus Interest To Government
Altantuya’s Family returned RM4.8 million in compensation plus interest to the government.
news.google.comAltantuya’s family seeks leave to appeal verdict clearing govt of wrongful death
Altantuya’s family sought leave to appeal a verdict clearing the government of wrongful death.
news.google.comHearing of Altantuya family’s leave to appeal rescheduled to Oct 27
The hearing of Altantuya family’s leave to appeal was rescheduled to October 27.
news.google.comMalaysian university slammed for talk by murdered Mongolian’s ex-lover
A Malaysian university faced criticism for hosting a talk by the ex-lover of the murdered Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu.
news.google.comCourt postpones hearing of judicial review bid by Altantuya’s father
Court postpones hearing of judicial review bid by Altantuya’s father - Free Malaysia Today
news.google.comAltantuya's father seeks mandamus order over unfinished probe into Azilah’s affidavits
Altantuya's father seeks mandamus order over unfinished probe into Azilah’s affidavits - The Vibes
news.google.com
Relationship graph
People, organisations and items linked to this issue. Hover a node to focus its connections; names in blue link to a tracked politician profile.
- French Scorpene Submarine Dealitem
Malaysia's procurement of two Scorpene-class submarines from France, subject to allegations of corruption and commission payments
- Aliranorganization
Published articles calling for full truth in Altantuya’s case and covering developments in the Scorpene scandal
- Altantuya's familyorganization
Pursuing legal action against the Malaysian government for wrongful death
- Attorney General's Chambers (AGC)organization
Government agency named in judicial review bids by Altantuya's father
- C4 Centerorganization
Civil society group calling for government cooperation in the Scorpene probe
- French prosecutorsorganization
Advanced investigations into the Scorpene submarine scandal, with movement reported in 2025
- Government of Malaysiaorganization
Entity cleared of wrongful death liability in Altantuya's case by court rulings
- Malaysiakiniorganization
Published calls for RCI into Altantuya’s murder, reported on Razak Baginda charge, and covered Scorpene deal developments
- Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)organization
Reopened investigation into Scorpene submarine deal in 2024 and reported discovering new clues
- NST Onlineorganization
Published chronology of Scorpene scandal and reported on MACC reopening investigation with new clues
- Royal Malaysian Policeorganization
Involved in the investigation and prosecution of Altantuya's murder; two of its UTK officers were convicted of the killing
- South China Morning Postorganization
Published article describing Altantuya’s murder as a scandal haunting Najib Razak
- The Edge Malaysiaorganization
Published the 2019 report stating that Altantuya's name appeared in the Scorpene submarine's after-sales services contract
- The Rakyat Postorganization
News outlet reporting on military procurement issues including the Scorpene deal
- The Straits Timesorganization
Reported on former police commando seeking royal pardon over Altantuya murder conviction
- The Third Forceorganization
Published a tracker providing a complete description of timelines, investigation outcomes, and personalities involved in the Scorpene & Altantuya case
- The Vibesorganization
News outlet publishing allegations and analyses related to the Scorpene scandal
- Abdul Razak Bagindaperson
Political analyst linked to both Altantuya Shaariibuu and the Scorpene submarine deal
- Altantuya Shaariibuuperson
Mongolian national whose murder in 2006 became linked to allegations surrounding the Scorpene submarine deal
- Azilah Hadriperson
Police officer convicted of Altantuya Shaariibuu’s murder
- Najib Razakperson
Former Prime Minister of Malaysia; alleged to be linked to Scorpene deal and Altantuya’s murder by Sirul Azhar Umar
- Razak Bagindaperson
Associate linked to Scorpene submarine deal and Altantuya Shaariibuu; charged over the deal; claimed €30 million in consultation fees
- Sirul Azhar Umarperson
Police officer convicted of Altantuya Shaariibuu’s murder; later made allegations against Najib Razak
News collection(77)
Altantuya's father seeks mandamus order over unfinished probe into Azilah’s affidavits - The Vibes
Court postpones hearing of judicial review bid by Altantuya’s father - Free Malaysia Today
Malaysian university slammed for talk by murdered Mongolian’s ex-lover - South China Morning Post
Hearing of Altantuya family’s leave to appeal rescheduled to Oct 27 - The Malaysian Reserve
Altantuya’s family seeks leave to appeal verdict clearing govt of wrongful death - Free Malaysia Today
Altantuya’s Family Returns RM4.8 Million Compensation Plus Interest To Government - The Rakyat Post
Altantuya's family returns damages to govt, in line with COA decision - The Edge Malaysia
Altantuya's family refunds RM4.8mil to govt - NST Online
Altantuya’s family and the people of Malaysia deserve the full truth - Aliran
Scorpene submarines probe: Sangeet presses MACC for updates - Malaysiakini
Altantuya's family to pay back RM4.7mil, Court of Appeal clears govt - NST Online
Shaariibuu’s lawyer enquires about status of MACC’s Scorpene probe - The Edge Malaysia
Lawyer urges MACC to provide update on Scorpene submarine probe - NST Online
Altantuya murder: Family to appeal after court ruling cleared govt of liability - The Edge Malaysia
Court of Appeal reduces damages in Altantuya lawsuit to RM1.38mil - The Star
Malaysia wins appeal in lawsuit by family of murdered Mongolian woman Altantuya - The Straits Times
Altantuya’s family to appeal verdict clearing govt of wrongful death - Free Malaysia Today
Defence Debacles: From Scorpene Sub To Former Army Chief Arrest - TLDR Of Military Procurement Mess - TRP | The Rakyat Post
[UPDATED] Court of Appeal awards RM1.4mil to Altantuya family, clears government [WATCH] - NST Online
Court allows Altantuya’s father to pursue judicial review against cops, AGC - Free Malaysia Today
Father of murdered Mongolian woman Altantuya applies to Malaysian court to reopen probe - The Straits Times
French prosecutors move on Scorpene scandal as Malaysia stays silent - Aliran
C4 Center calls for full govt cooperation in Scorpene scandal probe - The Edge Malaysia
Fresh allegations of Najib's involvement in tainted Scorpene submarine deals renews call for action - Aliran
French prosecutors claim Najib had role in 2002 submarine deal - The Vibes
Najib denies link to Scorpene submarine bribery scandal - NST Online
French Prosecutors Claim Najib Had Role in 2002 Submarine Deal Bribes - Bloomberg
Najib: I'm innocent, I didn't order Altantuya's murder - Malaysiakini
[UPDATED] Death sentence for Altantuya murderer Azilah Hadri commuted to 40 years’ imprisonment - scoop.my
Altantuya was murdered 18 years ago — Here’s what happened since, as Azilah sets to commute death penalty - Malay Mail
Altantuya’s convicted killer Azilah avoids death penalty as Federal Court reviews sentence to 40 years and 12 strokes of cane - Malay Mail
Malaysia commutes death sentence of ex-PM Najib’s former bodyguard - The Straits Times
Chronology of Scorpene scandal - NST Online
MACC gets new lead on RM42mil payouts in Scorpene deal - Free Malaysia Today
MACC reopens investigation into Scorpene, discovers new clues - NST Online
Scorpene submarine probe: MACC zeroes in on new lead pointing to misappropriation of RM42mil - The Star
Court rules Razak Baginda 'complicit' in Altantuya's murder - The Star
MACC says 22-year probe into Scorpene submarine case still ongoing - NST Online
LETTER | Reinvestigate Altantuya Shaariibuu’s murder case - Malaysiakini
Sirul’s latest ‘bombshell’ against Najib — would Najib be ready to sue Sirul? - The Edge Malaysia
Sirul still can't finger Altantuya murder mastermind - The Vibes
Abolishment of mandatory death penalty: Time to bring Sirul home to uphold truth in Altantuya’s murder - Focus Malaysia
Altantuya murder: Who pulled the trigger and for what? Bring back Sirul and establish the truth once and for all! - Aliran
Court: Altantuya’s family wins civil suit against police officers, Razak Baginda and government - The Edge Malaysia
Razak Baginda-DCNS: LCS nightmare repeat of Scorpene scandal? | Malaysia - The Vibes
“Why drag Tun Razak’s name to attack me?”: Najib lambasts Kit Siang - Focus Malaysia
The Malaysian Scorpene affair & Altantuya murder case - a complete description of timelines, investigation outcomes & personalities involved - The Third Force
Altantuya’s family appeals against dismissal of application to obtain recorded statements - The Malaysian Reserve
Altantuya's murder - RCI needed - Malaysiakini
Altantuya Shaariibuu’s murder: scandal that haunts Najib Razak - South China Morning Post
Azilah’s statement justifies inquiry of entire process of Altantuya murder trial - Malaysiakini
Dummy firm’s bank accounts to give clues for Scorpene scandal - The Malaysian Reserve
Altantuya's name appears 'a number of times' in Scorpene submarine's after sale services contract, says lawyer - The Edge Malaysia
NEWS: Altantuya’s name appears in French probe - The Edge Malaysia
Malaysia reopens submarine probe, questions former PM Najib - The Straits Times
Malaysia’s former PM Najib Razak questioned over submarine deal - South China Morning Post
Father pleads for fresh probe into Altantuya murder - Free Malaysia Today
Morais' death not linked to 1MDB, says new MACC chief - NST Online
Lurid tale of bribery and murder looms anew for Malaysia's Najib - The Straits Times
Altantuya case: Sirul should face new trial, says Anwar - NST Online
Probe Razak Baginda over Scorpene deal now, suggests ex-judge - Malaysiakini
Razak Baginda denies fleeing, unfazed about being targeted - Malaysiakini
Former Malaysia police commando seeks royal pardon over Altantuya murder conviction - The Straits Times
Pro-BN websites jog Dr M's memory on Scorpene deal - Malaysiakini
French prosecutors investigate aide to Malaysia PM over submarine deal - Reuters
Razak Baginda charged over Scorpene deal, says report - Malaysiakini
Dredging up the DCNS Scorpene scandal - Malaysiakini
I got €30 million, Razak Baginda says over Scorpene ‘consultation fees’ - The Edge Malaysia
France investigates whether Malaysian PM Najib was bribed in submarine deal - The Straits Times
Scorpene scandal resurfaces, Suaram vindicated - Free Malaysia Today
Stop dilly-dallying: Reopen Altantuya’s case; probe Najib’s involvement! - Aliran
Malaysian PM caught up in murder, bribery scandal - m.aliran.com
Scorpene’s Sting: Malaysia’s Bribery & Murder Scandal - Defense Industry Daily
Duo’s appeal dates in Altantuya murder vacated - News.MN
Photos show that Altantuya was in France - Malaysiakini
Altantuya and Malaysia’s 13th general elections - New Mandala
MACC stumbled, struggled and strangulated itself - m.aliran.com
All information on this page is drawn from the cited public news sources above.Back to all issues