33-year-old tech entrepreneur murdered, body dismembered in NYC; aide arrested
The New York City Police made substantial headway in the investigation into the grisly murder of a young tech entrepreneur, as they arrested his 21-year-old former personal assistant on Friday. In a crime that stunned even the law enforcement officials, 33-year-old Fahim Saleh was murdered, and his body dismembered, inside his luxury apartment in Manhattan. The murder had all the elements of "professional killing."
Who was Fahim Saleh, the "Elon Musk of developing world"
Son of Bangladeshi immigrants, Fahim is said to have co-founded his first company when he was in high school. A food delivery app he created, catered to college students. Fahim was also the founding partner at Adventure Capital, a venture capital fund that helped companies which provided high-tech solutions to developing countries. He was hailed as "Elon Musk of the developing world."
He founded companies focusing on problems of developing countries
One of Fahim's most celebrated achievements is Pathao, a ride company founded in 2015, which is hugely popular in Bangladesh. Cognizant of the fact that that two-wheelers are more feasible in developing countries, he also founded Gokada, a motorcycle ride-hailing and delivery app in Nigeria. Both the companies paid tributes after his demise, with Pathao's co-founder Hussein M Elius saying that Fahim believed technology could transform lives.
Fahim was murdered in the same house he purchased recently
As he moved up the ladder, Fahim inspired thousands of immigrants' kids. His cherished property - a $2.2 million apartment in Manhattan - sung tales of his hard work. Unfortunately, this was the same house where the bright young entrepreneur was killed by a masked man, wearing an all-black attire. A security video showed the killer following Fahim into the apartment.
Killer stabbed Fahim to death, then cut his body
Police said the killer carried a duffel bag into the house. After subduing Fahim with a taser, the killer stabbed him to death. In fact, he returned the next day to cut Fahim's body into pieces. One law enforcement official said several plastic bags were found from the crime scene, indicating that the killer tried erasing as much evidence as possible.
Fahim's head and limbs were found elsewhere in the apartment
Law enforcement officials were alerted of the crime by Fahim's sister, who went to check on him after receiving no response from him for one day. When cops arrived, the electric saw, used to dismember his body, was still plugged in, implying that the killer's "job" was interrupted. Fahim's head and limbs were dumped somewhere else in the apartment.
Subsequent investigation led police to the murderer - Fahim's ex-assistant
The initial probe convinced the police the murder was an "insider" job, eventually leading them to Tyrese Devon Haspil, Fahim's ex-personal assistant. He made the crime look like a "professional episode" to mislead investigators. When working with Fahim, Haspil handled his finances and personal matters, Rodney K. Harrison, the chief detective informed media. He also owed a significant amount of money to Fahim.
Haspil stole from Fahim, but latter didn't report him
According to officials, Fahim had learned Haspil, who worked with him for five years, stole roughly $90,000 from him. Though Fahim didn't report him, he sacked Haspil and offered a repayment plan as well. A Long Island native, Haspil was reportedly planning to flee by Monday from an apartment in Crosby Street, where he lived. He now faces second-degree murder and other charges.
Notably, Haspil's rookie mistakes gave him away
Police said Haspil made some rookie mistakes, which blew the lid off his intentions. He purchased the taser online and also signed for it when the package arrived in June. Haspil also purchased balloons, to celebrate the birthday of the woman he was living with, using Fahim's credit card. Amusingly, the balloons were present at the apartment when cops went to arrest him.
Fahim never wanted to leave anyone behind: Family
In a statement released on Wednesday, Fahim's bereaved family remembered him. "He is so much more. His brilliant and innovative mind took everyone who was a part of his world on a journey and he made sure never to leave anyone behind," they said.
