2025-06-20T19:55:17Z

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Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder and CEO of Telegram, has made headlines recently for his unconventional approach to fatherhood and inheritance. In a striking revelation, it has come to light that Durov has fathered as many as 106 biological children, a fact he attributes to his extensive sperm donations to women across Russia. Durov has openly shared that his aim is to ensure that all of his children benefit from his immense wealth, estimated at around $17 billion, when he passes away.

This intriguing aspect of Durov's life was disclosed during an interview with Le Point, a French news outlet. He elaborated on a newly drafted will that outlines his intentions regarding the distribution of his fortune among his numerous progeny. While he is the “official father” to six children he has raised with three different women, the rest of his biological children are a result of his donations to a Russian IVF clinic, which last year offered free treatments to women willing to use Durov's sperm.

Durov's unique perspective on fatherhood is evident in his declaration that he regards all of his children as equal, regardless of how they were conceived. He stated, “I make no difference between my children: There are those who were conceived naturally and those who come from my sperm donations. They are all my children and will all have the same rights!” This inclusive approach underscores his commitment to providing for all his offspring.

Furthermore, Durov's will stipulates that his children will have access to their inheritance only after a waiting period of thirty years. The billionaire believes this delay will encourage them to develop independence and self-sufficiency. “I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone, to learn to trust themselves,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of personal growth over financial dependency.

In light of his expansive family, Durov has become increasingly contemplative about his legacy, particularly due to his current legal challenges. The platform he oversees, Telegram, has faced criticism and scrutiny, being labeled a safe haven for criminal activities, including terrorism and other illicit operations. Last August, he was arrested in Paris amid these allegations but was subsequently released on a substantial $5.5 million bail. He currently remains in France, awaiting the conclusion of an investigation into the activities associated with his messaging service.

Durov has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, describing the accusations against him as “absurd.” He insists that the mere fact that criminal elements use his platform does not implicate him or his business: “Nothing has ever been proven showing that I am, even for a second, guilty of anything.” Despite the ongoing investigation, he feels that he is already suffering consequences through restrictions on his freedom of movement.