Pavel Durov, the controversial founder of encrypted messaging app Telegram, has announced his estimated $13.9 billion fortune will be equally divided among more than 100 children he has fathered worldwide.
In an exclusive interview with French magazine Le Point, the 40-year-old Russian tech tycoon revealed only six children were born through traditional relationships, while over 100 resulted from sperm donations at a fertility clinic over 15 years across 12 countries.
“No Favoritism” Policy for Telegram Founder’s Global Offspring
Durov emphasized all children would receive equal inheritance rights to prevent future disputes. “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,” stated the self-exiled billionaire, who faces criminal charges in France.
However, the inheritance comes with strings attached – beneficiaries must wait 30 years to access their shares. Durov explained this delay would force his children to “build themselves up alone” rather than rely on wealth.
The announcement comes as Telegram, known for its privacy-focused encrypted messaging, surpasses 1 billion monthly active users. Durov cited professional risks in his decision to formalize the will now, noting that “defending freedoms earns you many enemies, including within powerful states.” The platform has faced scrutiny from governments worldwide for its refusal to compromise user privacy, even as it becomes a hub for both dissenters and extremist groups.
While Durov maintains his sperm donations simply helped a friend initially, the scale of resulting pregnancies raises ethical questions. French authorities are still investigating separate criminal allegations against the entrepreneur, though he denies wrongdoing.
Fertility experts have said that most clinics enforce strict donor anonymity rules, making Durov’s case highly unusual. With potential heirs scattered across a dozen nations, it doesn’t take a soothsayer to predict the complex international inheritance battles that could emerge despite the billionaire’s egalitarian intentions.
