In a move that’s sparked both admiration and controversy, Pavel Durov, the enigmatic founder of Telegram, has declared that he will bequeath his entire $13.9 billion fortune to more than 100 children he claims as his own—both biologically and through sperm donations. In an exclusive interview with French magazine Le Point, Durov outlined the terms of this unprecedented inheritance plan, describing it as a “visionary approach to legacy, identity, and equality.”
At just 40 years old, the Russian-born tech billionaire has already disrupted global communication with Telegram, and now he’s aiming to disrupt traditional ideas of family, fatherhood, and wealth succession.
👨👧👦 Who Are the Heirs? Inside Durov’s Expansive Family Tree
Durov’s inheritance will be split equally among a growing list of children—currently believed to be over 106 in number. While some of these children are from known relationships with three different women, many were conceived through anonymous sperm donations over the past 15 years, spanning 12 different countries.
“I don’t make any distinction between my children,” Durov told Le Point. “There are naturally born and there are sperm donation born. They are all my children and they will all have the same rights.”
If evenly divided, each child could receive a staggering $131 million, potentially making Durov’s descendants some of the wealthiest individuals on Earth—even before they’ve finished school.
But there’s a twist.
🕒 Why the Children Must Wait Until 2054
While the size of the fortune is jaw-dropping, Durov has structured his last will and testament in such a way that none of the children will have access to their inheritance for another 30 years—until 2054.
His rationale? To instill independence, grit, and creativity before introducing the privileges of wealth.
“I want them to live like regular people, to be independent, to learn to trust themselves, to be able to create—not to be bank-account-dependent,” said Durov.
This radical approach aligns with the entrepreneur’s well-known philosophy of minimalism and self-discipline, one that has influenced his company’s growth and his personal lifestyle choices.
🏋️♂️ The Discipline Behind the Billionaire: Durov’s Spartan Lifestyle
Known as a tech industry outlier, Durov practices what he preaches. Despite his immense wealth, he leads a Spartan lifestyle:
- 300 push-ups and 300 squats daily
- Abstains from alcohol, sugar, caffeine, tea, and tobacco
- Lives without a permanent residence, often described as a digital nomad
- Frequently communicates with over 11 million Telegram followers, sharing thoughts on privacy, governance, and digital autonomy
This obsession with discipline and detachment from materialism is not just personal—it deeply influences how Telegram is built and governed.
📲 Telegram: A Global Force for Free Speech—and Controversy
Founded in 2013, Telegram has grown to become one of the world’s most popular messaging apps, with over 1 billion active users. Its appeal lies in its commitment to privacy, no ads, and encryption-first communication.
However, this strong defense of user privacy has made Telegram a lightning rod for criticism from governments and advocacy groups. Critics say Telegram has become a safe haven for illicit activity, from illegal drug markets to extremist content.
⚖️ Legal Storm Brewing: Durov’s Challenges in France and Switzerland
In France, Durov is currently facing serious legal charges. French prosecutors allege he is complicit in the failure to regulate harmful content on Telegram’s platform, including the distribution of child sexual abuse material and the promotion of illegal drug trafficking.
Current restrictions placed on Durov include:
- Judicial bail with a substantial financial bond
- Mandatory police check-ins
- A travel ban preventing him from leaving France
Durov denies all allegations, calling them “absurd”, and argues that platform operators should not be held responsible for how criminals misuse communication tools.
Meanwhile, in Switzerland, Durov is facing civil litigation related to custody and child support, raising further complications around his global parenting philosophy and the legal status of children born via anonymous donation.
🧬 Rethinking Legacy: Sperm Donation, Equality, and Inheritance Rights
Durov’s revelation that he has been donating sperm since 2010 to women around the world adds a complex ethical and legal layer to his story. Not only has he embraced non-traditional family structures, but he has actively challenged global norms around parenthood, inheritance, and biological lineage.
He maintains that each child is an equal heir, regardless of how they were conceived or where they were born. This egalitarian stance has sparked heated debates among ethicists, legal scholars, and even other tech leaders.
“What Durov is doing goes beyond eccentricity—it’s a profound cultural statement about equality, fatherhood, and what it means to leave a legacy,” says Dr. Miriam Rosenthal, a sociologist at NYU.
🌍 A Global Inheritance Across 12 Nations
While the precise locations of all 100+ children remain confidential, reports indicate that the children were conceived or born in Europe, Asia, and North America. Durov has established a global legal network to ensure equal distribution of his wealth, regardless of local inheritance laws.
Lawyers involved in drafting the will claim it may become a landmark legal case in the realm of international estate planning, especially with dozens of minors potentially residing in jurisdictions with conflicting inheritance laws.
“We are preparing for a 30-year-long legal coordination process,” one legal advisor said anonymously. “This could become one of the most complex inheritance distributions in history.”
🧠 Philosophy Meets Futurism: The Man Behind the Message
More than just a tech mogul, Durov has long framed his life as a philosophical experiment. In previous interviews, he’s spoken about the “death of the traditional nation-state,” the importance of “data freedom,” and his disdain for “financial dependence.”
He once compared generational wealth to a digital virus that weakens innovation and motivation.
“Inherited wealth is often a burden, not a blessing,” he’s quoted as saying. “You must earn your influence—or it’s not truly yours.”
In this sense, his decision to delay inheritance until 2054 aligns with a broader critique of nepotism, capitalism, and entitlement.
🔍 Public Reaction: Genius or Irresponsible?
Unsurprisingly, the public response has been polarizing.
- Supporters hail Durov’s plan as revolutionary—blending idealism, philanthropy, and futurism.
- Critics argue that he’s being reckless, potentially placing undue psychological and financial pressure on children who may never have met their biological father.
- Legal experts worry about future disputes over paternity verification, especially as children grow up and seek clarity over their lineage.
Online forums and media outlets across the globe have exploded with discussions on DNA testing, surrogacy ethics, and the emotional implications for the children involved.
🧾 Key Takeaways: A Legacy for the Digital Age
Durov’s inheritance plan isn’t just about money—it’s about redefining legacy in a world where technology reshapes every aspect of human life. Here’s what makes his announcement so extraordinary:
- Scale: Over 100 children, each potentially inheriting over $100 million.
- Equality: No distinction between biological children and those conceived through anonymous sperm donation.
- Delay: Wealth locked away for 30 years to encourage personal development.
- Legal Precedents: Cross-border estate laws will be tested like never before.
- Social Impact: Sparks global debate on fatherhood, inheritance, and privilege.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Is This the Future of Fatherhood and Fortune?
Pavel Durov has always been one of tech’s most unpredictable figures, and this latest revelation is no exception. With this inheritance blueprint, he’s asking the world to rethink what it means to be a parent, a billionaire, and a human being in the age of digital globalism.
Whether seen as visionary or controversial, Durov’s decision ensures that his legacy—much like his company—will echo far beyond code, servers, or encrypted messages.
Only time will tell if his children, scattered across the globe, will embrace the man who gave them life—and fortune—from afar.
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