Key Points:
- Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, says he has 106 children, including over 100 from sperm donations across 12 countries.
- He has promised to share his $17.1 billion wealth equally among all his children but not until 2055.
- Durov is facing legal trouble in France, where he was charged for allegedly allowing illegal activity to thrive on Telegram.
Telegram’s co-founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, has stunned the world with a bold and very unusual revelation. The 40-year-old billionaire said he has more than 106 children—and he’s giving all of them equal rights to his $17.1 billion fortune.
In a recent chat with Le Point, a French news outlet, Durov shared some details that many people found surprising. He said he has six children born through natural means. But he also claimed to have fathered over 100 children by being a sperm donor across 12 countries.
According to him, this journey started when he offered to help a friend. After that, he began donating sperm anonymously. Still, Durov sees all the children as his own.
“They are all my children,” he told Le Point. “I make no difference between them. Each one will get equal rights!”
No Inheritance Until 2055
Even though his children are set to inherit billions, Durov has set a rule that might surprise many. He says none of them will get a dime until 30 years from now—that is, June 19, 2055.
Why the long wait?
Durov wants his children to grow up like regular people. He believes they should work hard, learn to depend on themselves, and build their own lives.
“I don’t want them to rely on a bank account,” he explained. “I want them to learn how to create and survive.”
He added that this decision was made because his job comes with dangers. Durov didn’t mention the risks clearly, but they might include legal battles linked to Telegram.
Telegram’s Privacy Features Under Fire
Telegram is loved by many people for its strong privacy and secret chats. But that privacy has also created big problems.
Governments and law officials say Telegram is being used by criminals. They claim the app has become a home for illegal content, such as child abuse, drug trading, and online fraud.
In August 2024, French officials charged Durov with helping to run a platform where such crimes could happen. The case is still ongoing, and it’s not clear how it will end.
But Durov defended himself in the Le Point interview. “Defending freedom gives you many enemies,” he said. “Even powerful governments don’t like it.”
Telegram has stated that it uses special tools to find and remove bad content from the app. However, critics say it’s still not enough.
A Very Big Family
Durov’s family is now one of the largest ever known among billionaires. What started as a favour to a friend has turned into over 100 children—and counting.
He says he has no favourites and that all his children—biological or through donation—will be treated the same.
He believes in building a better world where everyone has equal chances, even if they are born through different paths.
