In a remarkable disclosure that has captured global attention, Pavel Durov, the enigmatic founder and CEO of the popular encrypted messaging app Telegram, has revealed plans to bequeath his entire estimated $13.9 billion (£10.3 billion) fortune to an unprecedented number of heirs: over 100 children he has fathered.
The 40-year-old tech billionaire shared details of his unique inheritance plan in a candid interview with French political magazine Le Point. He stated unequivocally that all his children will share equally in his vast wealth, expressing a desire to prevent conflict among them after his passing. “They are all my children and will all have the same rights! I don’t want them to tear each other apart after my death,” Durov explained.
Understanding His Paternity
While widely known to have six officially recognized children with three different partners, Durov clarified that the vast majority of his progeny resulted from anonymous sperm donations. He revealed he began donating sperm about fifteen years ago at a clinic to assist a friend. He was later informed that these donations had resulted in the conception of more than 100 babies across 12 different countries. Durov makes no distinction between his biological children, regardless of how they were conceived, emphasizing their equal status in his will.
A 30-Year Delay on Inheritance
Perhaps the most unusual condition of Durov’s will is that his children will not gain access to their inheritance for a period of 30 years. This lengthy delay is a deliberate choice aimed at fostering self-reliance and character development. Durov explained his reasoning: “I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone, to learn to trust themselves, to be able to create, not to be dependent on a bank account.” He believes this will encourage them to forge their own paths and avoid the potential pitfalls of inherited wealth.
Durov, a self-exiled Russian tech tycoon who now holds dual citizenship of France and the United Arab Emirates and resides in Dubai where Telegram is based, indicated that deciding to write his will at a relatively young age stems from the inherent risks associated with his work. He feels that “defending freedoms earns you many enemies, including within powerful states,” suggesting his commitment to digital privacy through Telegram puts him in a precarious position. Drafting the will now is seen not only as a way to secure his family’s future but also, according to reports, to help safeguard the principles of personal liberty and digital privacy that Telegram represents.
Facing Legal Challenges in France
The interview also touched upon the serious criminal charges Durov currently faces in France. Last year, he was arrested in connection with accusations of failing to adequately moderate the Telegram app to curb criminal activities, including drug trafficking, child sexual abuse content, and fraud. Durov vehemently denies these allegations, describing them as “totally absurd.” He maintains that simply because criminals use Telegram, among many other communication services, does not implicate the platform’s operators. Telegram has consistently denied claims of having insufficient moderation systems.
Telegram’s Complex Reputation
Since its founding in 2013, Telegram has grown to over a billion monthly active users, largely thanks to its strong focus on privacy and encrypted messaging. However, this very emphasis on privacy has also led to criticism regarding content moderation. Critics point to features like the allowance of large groups (up to 200,000 members) as facilitating the spread of misinformation, conspiracist theories, and illegal content, including extremist material. While Telegram has taken steps to remove some problematic groups, cybersecurity experts often note that its moderation efforts are significantly weaker compared to other major social media platforms and messaging services.
Durov’s unconventional lifestyle and outspoken advocacy for digital freedom, coupled with this extraordinary plan for his extensive legacy, continue to place the Telegram founder in the global spotlight, highlighting both his personal wealth and the complexities surrounding the platform he built.
