Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Plans to Distribute Entire $17 Billion Fortune Among His 106 Children

Pavel Durov, the enigmatic French-Russian billionaire and CEO of the widely popular messaging app Telegram, has announced extraordinary plans for his vast fortune. In a recent interview, Durov revealed that he intends to bequeath his entire estimated wealth of $17 billion to his 106 biological children. This unprecedented decision highlights a unique approach to inheritance, with Durov emphasizing equality among all his offspring, regardless of their conception.

Durov elaborated that his extensive progeny includes six children conceived naturally with three different partners, while over a hundred others were born through anonymous sperm donations across a dozen countries, a process he began 15 years ago. "I want to specify that I make no difference between my children," Durov stated. "They are all my children, and will all have the same rights!" This commitment to equal distribution means each child could potentially inherit approximately €140 million ($131 million to $161 million, depending on current exchange rates and precise net worth estimations).

However, access to this substantial inheritance comes with a significant condition. Durov has explicitly written in his will that his children will not gain access to their shares until June 2055. This 30-year waiting period is deliberate, designed to foster independence and ensure they develop their own paths. "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," he explained, underlining his philosophy that wealth should not hinder personal growth.

Durov's decision to finalize his will at this stage is also influenced by the inherent risks associated with his work, particularly the legal challenges and scrutiny Telegram faces due to its commitment to privacy and freedom of information. This remarkable plan not only redefines traditional notions of family and legacy but also sparks a global conversation about wealth distribution, personal responsibility, and the ethical implications of technological entrepreneurship on a grand scale.

Credit photo: East2West