Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Reveals Unusual Inheritance Plan for Over 100 Children
Pavel Durov, the enigmatic founder of the popular encrypted messaging app Telegram, has disclosed a striking plan for his estimated multi-billion dollar fortune. In a recent interview with the French magazine Le Point, the tech entrepreneur revealed his intention to divide his vast wealth among a surprising number of heirs: his more than 100 children.
Durov, 40, explained that his primary motivation behind drafting his will is to ensure equality among all his offspring and prevent potential disputes over the inheritance after his death. “I don’t want them to tear each other apart after my death,” he stated.
Who Are His Many Children?
While Durov is the official father to six children born to three different women, the vast majority of his children come from another source. He claimed that his anonymous sperm donations over the past 15 years have led to the births of more than 100 babies across 12 different countries. This practice reportedly began when he helped a friend start a family.
Despite the different circumstances of their conception, Durov insists on treating all his children equally in his will. “I make no difference between my children: there are those who were conceived naturally and those who come from my sperm donations,” he told Le Point. “They are all my children and will all have the same rights!”
Fortune estimates for Durov vary, with figures cited between $13.9 billion (Bloomberg Billionaires Index) and potentially higher ($17.1 billion according to Forbes, with one report noting nearly $20 billion elsewhere). Regardless of the exact sum, it’s a substantial fortune set for distribution.
Why the 30-Year Wait for Inheritance?
Perhaps the most unusual aspect of Durov’s plan is a stipulation in his will delaying access to the inheritance. None of his children will be able to touch their share of the fortune for another 30 years from the present date.
Durov articulated a strong philosophy behind this decision, rooted in fostering self-reliance and independence. He stated: “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.” This suggests a desire for his children to develop their own character and success without the immediate crutch of immense wealth.
Timing His Will: Risks and Legacy
Based in Dubai, Durov revealed he recently completed his will, a seemingly early action for a 40-year-old billionaire. When questioned about the timing, he linked it directly to the inherent risks associated with his work advocating for digital privacy and freedoms. “Defending freedoms earns you many enemies, including within powerful states,” he explained.
This timing could also be seen in the context of recent events. Last year, Durov faced a brief arrest in Paris by French authorities who accused him of not doing enough to combat criminal activity on Telegram. Durov has consistently denied these allegations, calling the charges “totally absurd” and arguing that the platform’s use by criminals doesn’t implicate its operators.
By drafting his will now, Durov aims to safeguard both his children and the future of Telegram, ensuring the platform continues to operate according to the values he champions.
Telegram, founded in 2013, has grown into a global communication giant with over a billion monthly active users, making Durov’s decisions about its leadership and his personal wealth of significant interest. While Telegram has been hailed for its role in providing uncensored communication during conflicts, it has also drawn criticism for being utilized by extremist groups, highlighting the complex landscape Durov navigates.
