Pavel Durov outlines unusual inheritance plan tied to personal legacy and privacy battles
Pavel Durov, founder and sole owner of the encrypted messaging app Telegram, has revealed plans to divide his multi-billion dollar fortune among more than 100 children he claims to have fathered — including six official children and many born via sperm donation across 12 countries.
In an interview with French magazine Le Point, the 40-year-old Russian tech billionaire said he recently finalized his will to ensure his children receive equal rights to his estate. “I don’t want them to tear each other apart after my death,” Durov explained, citing the potential for future family conflict over inheritance.
Inheritance delayed by design
Durov made clear that none of his children will gain access to their inheritance for at least 30 years. He said he wants them to grow up independently and not rely on wealth. “I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone… to not be dependent on a bank account,” he added.
The move aligns with Durov’s longstanding personal philosophy, which values privacy, self-sufficiency, and resistance to centralized control — principles that have also defined Telegram’s design and operations.
Controversy follows success
Telegram, founded in 2013, now serves over one billion monthly users and has faced scrutiny from governments worldwide over its encryption policies. Last year, Durov was arrested in France for allegedly failing to combat illegal activity on the platform — charges he dismisses as “totally absurd.” He insists that Telegram, like any communication tool, is neutral and cannot be held responsible for users’ behavior.
“Just because criminals use our messaging service among many others doesn’t make those who run it criminals,” Durov stated. The entrepreneur, who is now based in Dubai, also cited his defense of digital freedoms as a reason for preparing his will, saying it has earned him enemies in powerful places.
