Telegram's Pavel Durov to Divide Wealth Among His 100+ Kids
In true plot-twist fashion, Pavel Durov—founder of encrypted messaging giant Telegram —is planning to share his multi-billion-dollar fortune with over 100 children across the globe. Yes, 100+, and no, this isn't a sci-fi storyline.
Speaking to French magazine Le Point, the 40-year-old tech mogul confirmed he has fathered six official children, along with dozens more through sperm donations in at least 12 countries. "I don't want them to tear each other apart after my death," he told the publication. His goal? Equal rights and zero posthumous drama.
But don't expect these heirs to be cashing in anytime soon. Durov revealed that none of the kids—official or donor-conceived—will have access to their inheritance for another 30 years. 'I want them to live like normal people... to build themselves up alone... not to be dependent on a bank account,' he said, explaining that character matters more than cash.
Based in Dubai, Durov recently made his will, citing the risks that come with his mission to defend freedom and privacy in an increasingly monitored world. 'Defending freedoms earns you many enemies, including within powerful states,' he noted.
Telegram, launched in 2013, has become one of the world's most-used messaging platforms, clocking over a billion users monthly. But its unfiltered nature hasn't gone unnoticed by law enforcement. French authorities arrested Durov last year for allegedly failing to combat criminal activity on Telegram—accusations he firmly rejects. 'Just because criminals use our messaging service among many others doesn't make those who run it criminals,' he said.
From creating an app used by millions to now creating… a massive inheritance plan for over 100 kids, Durov is definitely in a league of his own.
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