Pavel Durov, the enigmatic founder and CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, has announced his intention to leave his vast fortune, estimated to be in the billions of dollars, to his more than 100 children. However, the inheritance comes with a significant stipulation: they will not be able to access it for another 30 years.
The 40-year-old tech billionaire made the stunning revelation in a recent and wide-ranging interview with the French magazine *Le Point*. Durov, who is a French citizen, disclosed that he has six biological children and has fathered over 100 more through sperm donation.
"I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone… not to be dependent on a bank account," Durov stated in the interview, explaining his decision to delay their access to his wealth. He emphasized that he makes no distinction between his biological and non-biological offspring, asserting that "they are all my children and will all have the same rights!"
This unusual inheritance plan comes as Durov navigates significant legal challenges in France. He was arrested in August 2024 at Le Bourget airport near Paris and has been under judicial supervision since. French authorities are investigating allegations that Telegram has been used for a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking and the distribution of child abuse material. Durov has consistently denied any wrongdoing, framing the legal actions as a consequence of his staunch defense of user privacy and freedom of speech.
"Defending freedoms earns you many enemies, including within powerful states," he remarked, alluding to the "risks" of his work as a primary motivation for drafting his will.
Despite his legal woes, Telegram, the platform Durov founded after leaving Russia due to government pressure over his previous social media venture, VKontakte, continues to thrive. The app is known for its end-to-end encryption and has amassed a massive global user base.
Durov's recent interview has once again thrust the reclusive tech figure into the spotlight, painting a complex picture of a man who champions individual liberty while facing scrutiny from state actors. His unorthodox approach to family, wealth, and privacy continues to generate headlines and spark debate worldwide.
