The multi-billionaire founder of the instant messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, has made headlines with a shocking revelation: he claims to have fathered over 100 children through sperm donation. In an exclusive interview with French political magazine Le Point, Durov shared that he began donating sperm 15 years ago to assist a friend, resulting in the conception of more than 100 babies across 12 different countries.
In addition to the children conceived through his donations, Mr. Durov is the official father of six other children from three different partners. He emphasized that all of his offspring will share in his significant wealth, estimated at around $13.9 billion (£10.3 billion). “They are all my children and will all have the same rights!” Durov stated, expressing his desire for equitable inheritance among his descendants.
However, Durov has set a unique condition regarding their inheritance: none of his children will have access to their share for 30 years. He explained, “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.” This approach reflects his belief in fostering independence and resilience among his children.
At 40 years old, Pavel Durov has also taken proactive steps to secure his legacy by drafting a will, particularly due to the risks associated with his profession. He noted, “Defending freedoms earns you many enemies, including within powerful states.” Durov’s commitment to privacy and freedom of expression is a cornerstone of his work with Telegram, a platform renowned for its strong encryption and privacy features, boasting over a billion monthly active users.
In the interview, Durov also confronted the serious criminal charges he faces in France. Following his arrest last year, he was accused of failing to adequately moderate the app to curb criminal behavior. He has categorically denied any allegations of negligence in cooperating with law enforcement regarding issues such as drug trafficking, child sexual abuse content, and fraud. Durov described the charges as “totally absurd,” asserting that just because criminals may use his messaging service does not make him or his team criminals.
As Telegram continues to grow in popularity, it faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its moderation practices. Despite the accusations, Durov maintains that the platform has sufficient measures in place to combat illegal activities. The tech entrepreneur's unwavering stance on privacy and free speech remains a significant aspect of Telegram’s identity, even amid the challenges posed by regulatory frameworks across different countries.
Pavel Durov’s story is not just about his wealth or his extensive family; it’s also about his unyielding commitment to privacy and freedom in the digital age, making him a prominent figure in the tech industry. His legacy, both as a father and a tech visionary, will undoubtedly continue to evolve as he navigates the complexities of modern technology and family dynamics.
