Pavel Durov: Telegram Founder to Share $13.9 Billion Fortune with Over 100 Children

In a revealing interview with French magazine Le Point, Pavel Durov announced his intention to pass down his wealth, amounting to approximately £10.3 billion, to over 100 offspring. Durov, who openly claims six biological children through three partners, has also fathered a significant number of others via sperm donations to a fertility clinic. He emphasized his desire for equitable treatment among his children, stating, "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."

However, Durov's plans include a 30-year wait before any of his children can access their inheritance, as he wishes for them to develop independence and resilience. He explained, "I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone, to learn to trust themselves." Durov, 40, cited the inherent risks associated with his line of work, particularly due to the powerful enemies he has made through his advocacy for freedoms and privacy, prompting the need for a will at this stage.

The tech mogul also faced scrutiny regarding serious criminal charges in France, stemming from allegations of improper app moderation related to crime on Telegram. Durov has vehemently denied these accusations, labeling them as "totally absurd." He defended Telegram's practices, asserting that merely being used by criminals does not implicate the service itself or its management in wrongdoing.

With over a billion monthly users, Telegram's emphasis on encrypted communication continues to attract both loyal supporters and critical scrutiny alike.