Culprit in gruesome Gokada founder murder awaits sentencing

On the morning of July 13, 2020, Tyrese Haspil, in a black suit and an opaque face mask, trailed his former boss, Fahim Saleh, into the elevator of his condominium in Manhattan, New York. The lift opened directly into Saleh's apartment, where Haspil subdued and took the life of the 33-year-old tech entrepreneur. 

The next day, Haspil returned to the apartment to dismember Saleh’s body. During his absence to purchase a battery charger, Saleh’s cousin discovered the horrific scene, prompting Haspil to flee. This premeditated act resulted in Haspil's conviction on charges of first-degree murder and embezzlement. 

On June 24, 2024, a New York State Supreme Court jury convicted him on four counts, including one of Murder in the first degree, two counts of second-degree grand larceny, and one count of second-degree burglary. There are other charges.

The sentencing is due September 10, 2024. Haspil faces a life-in-prison sentence, without the possibility of parole given the nature of his crimes. New York State law imposes this sentence for convictions of first-degree murder, meaning that should he be sentenced according to the law, he will spend the rest of his life behind bars. 

Fahim Saleh founded Gokada, a Nigeria-based motorbike ride-sharing startup. He is also the brains behind Pathao, a similar service operating in his home country. Born in Saudi Arabia to Bangladeshi parents and raised in Poughkeepsie, New York, he’s honored for his enthusiasm and support for fledgling techies. 

Haspil, 25, had been Saleh’s assistant since 2018. Entrusted with managing Saleh’s finances, he began embezzling funds to purchase lavish gifts and sustain a luxurious lifestyle, per the investigation. By December 2018, Haspil had created a bogus corporate entity and bank account to funnel stolen money. His thefts continued even after he resigned in May 2019.

In January 2020, Saleh confronted Haspil about a $35,000 debt. In leniency, Saleh offered him a two-year repayment plan instead of involving the authorities. However, Saleh was unaware that Haspil had embezzled far more through a separate fraudulent PayPal account. Haspil used these stolen funds to repay Saleh while continuing his thefts, amassing approximately $400,000.

Fearing his broader scheme would be uncovered, Haspil, according to Manhattan District Attorney, meticulously planned Saleh’s murder. His search history revealed chilling terms like “Fahim Saleh,” “Murder of tech C.E.O. in New York,” and “Dismembered body.” He also studied the anatomy of the human neck and Saleh’s building plans. In June 2020, he purchased contractor-grade trash bags, a Swiffer floor cleaning tool, and a saw, preparing for the crime.

On July 13, 2020, Haspil executed his plans. After incapacitating and killing Saleh, he exited the condo and returned the next day to dismember the body. The grisly task was interrupted when he left to buy a battery charger; Saleh’s cousin discovered the crime during his absence. Haspil fled but was arrested four days later at an Airbnb he had booked for his girlfriend’s birthday celebration.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg commented on the senselessness of the crime, stating, “Tyrese Haspil tragically cut Mr. Saleh’s life short — a man who came from a close-knit immigrant family and followed his passions to become a successful entrepreneur.”

Haspil’s lawyer, Sam Roberts, acknowledged his client’s guilt, but urged the court to consider mitigating factors, asserting, “We fully believe that Tyrese Haspil is not solely and only the worst thing that he’s done in his life.”

Haspil’s conviction brings a measure of closure to Saleh’s loved ones and the tech community, especially those in Nigeria, who continue to mourn him. His legacy remains, overshadowed yet not clouded by the tragedy. As the sentencing date approaches, the impact of Saleh’s untimely demise serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of betrayal and greed.