In a shocking conclusion to a high-profile case, Tyrese Haspil, a 25-year-old former personal assistant, has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for the murder of his ex-employer, tech entrepreneur Fahim Saleh. The sentencing, which took place on September 11, 2024, marks the end of a legal process that began with Haspil's arrest in July 2020.
Fahim Saleh, a 33-year-old Bangladeshi-American entrepreneur known for founding successful startups in developing countries, fell victim to a brutal crime in his luxury Manhattan apartment. Saleh, often referred to as the "Elon Musk of the developing world," had established Pathao, a ride-sharing company in Bangladesh, and Gokada, a motorcycle ride-hailing app in Nigeria.
The case unfolded when Haspil, who had worked for Saleh for approximately five years, was found to have embezzled around $400,000 from his employer's businesses. Despite this betrayal, Saleh offered Haspil a second chance, allowing him to repay the stolen funds over two years to avoid criminal charges.
However, Haspil's continued theft led to a fatal decision. On July 13, 2020, he followed Saleh into the elevator of his $2.25 million Lower East Side apartment. Using a Taser, Haspil incapacitated Saleh before stabbing him to death. The following day, in an attempt to cover up the crime, Haspil returned to dismember the body using a Makita electric saw.
The gruesome scene was discovered by Saleh's cousin, who had come to check on him after a day of silence. This discovery occurred shortly after Haspil had left the apartment to purchase a charger for the depleted saw battery.
"Today, Tyrese Haspil is facing accountability for brutally murdering and decapitating Fahim Saleh, a kind, generous, and empathetic person who positively impacted the world. Even after the defendant stole from him to fund a lavish lifestyle, Mr. Saleh still gave him a second chance."
The murder weapon was found in Haspil's backpack when he was arrested days later at a Manhattan apartment he had rented under a false name. The case gained significant media attention due to its brutal nature and Saleh's prominence in the tech world.
This tragic event has highlighted issues of cybersecurity and financial oversight in startups. Saleh's last known communication was a tweet about Gokada on the day before his murder, a poignant reminder of his dedication to his work until the very end.
The sentencing brings a measure of closure to a case that shocked the tech community and raised questions about trust and security in the fast-paced world of startups. While the punishment cannot undo the loss of a visionary entrepreneur, it serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of betrayal and criminal actions.