Telegram Founder to Leave $13.9 Billion Fortune to Over 100 Biological Children

 Telegram founder Pavel Durov reveals his $13.9 billion fortune will be shared among more than 100 of his biological children, citing a desire for equality and independence.

Durov Plans Unconventional Legacy for Telegram Fortune

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has disclosed that his estimated $13.9 billion fortune will be inherited by over 100 of his biological children, according to an exclusive interview with French magazine Le Point. The Russian-born tech billionaire, now living in self-imposed exile, confirmed the decision stems from a desire to ensure equality and harmony among his offspring.

“They are all my children and they will have the same rights! I don't want them to be torn apart after my death,” Durov told Le Point.

Telegram Founder’s Vast Family: From Six Known Children to Sperm Donation Offspring

While Durov is officially the father of six children with three different women, he revealed that he has over 100 additional biological children born through sperm donations to fertility clinics. He emphasized that all his biological children—regardless of how they were conceived—will be treated equally when it comes to inheritance.

Durov also said the inheritance will be locked for 30 years after his death, giving his children time to build independent lives before accessing any wealth.

“I want them to live as ordinary people, to build themselves, to learn to have confidence in themselves, to be able to create, not depend on a bank account,” he said.

Protecting Privacy and Facing Legal Challenges

Known for championing digital privacy through Telegram—an app with over a billion monthly active users—Durov acknowledged that his work places him at risk.

“My work involves risks – protecting freedoms brings many enemies, including within powerful states,” he explained, justifying his decision to prepare a will at the age of 40.

Telegram has built a reputation for offering end-to-end encrypted messaging and prioritising user privacy. However, that commitment has led to scrutiny from several governments.

Durov Denies Criminal Allegations in France

The interview also touched on the criminal charges Durov faces in France. He was arrested last year on accusations that Telegram failed to adequately moderate illegal content, including drug trafficking, child exploitation, and fraud.

Durov strongly denied the allegations and insisted that Telegram has always cooperated with law enforcement where required. “The accusations are completely absurd,” he told Le Point.

Telegram has also publicly rejected claims that it does not enforce moderation policies.

A Controversial Tech Titan Charts His Own Path

Durov’s revelation has sparked widespread attention not only for its unprecedented nature, but also for what it reflects about his values. As one of the tech world’s most enigmatic figures, the Telegram founder appears committed to shaping his legacy not through wealth alone, but through the principles of independence, equality, and digital freedom.

With more than 100 heirs and a firm stance on protecting civil liberties, Pavel Durov remains one of the most unconventional—and talked-about—billionaires in the modern tech landscape.