New Delhi: Telegram founder Pavel Durov has announced plans to distribute his USD 13.9 billion wealth among his 100 children he fathered through sperm donations. The will created by Durov also includes provisions for his six children from his three marriages.
The billionaire, in an interview with France’s Le Point magazine, provided further details regarding the 100 children who were born across 12 countries through sperm donations over the past 15 years.
The Telegram founder, known for his clashes with the Kremlin over free speech, was allegedly accused of allowing activities such as sex trafficking and drug abuse on his encrypted platform, by the French authorities the last year. However, the business tycoon denied all the accusations.
Children to be responsible for property at 30: Durov
In the interview with the magazine, Durov stated the significance of having a family, and that all his children would have access to his properties at the age of thirty, as per the will. He added that he wants his children to be responsible and independent, without relying on their ancestral fortunes. The billionaire further explained that he would not be partial to any of his children, be the naturally conceived or those who were born through sperm donation. He said he wants all of them to unite after his passing.
Durov told the magazine that he biologically fathered three children from three separate marriages. Around fifteen years ago, he initially donated sperm to help a friend, birthing hundred babies that were conceived across twelve countries, as per the official data of the clinic.
Telegram to protect digital privacy
He told the magazine that his work regarding freedom of speech invited risks with powerful states always monitoring him and he created several enemies for himself. The billionaire aims to protect his children along with the company, Telegram, by adhering to its values.
Durov explained that a nonprofit company would take over Telegram after his death. The Telegram owner’s said his objective is that the social media platform serves its core purpose by upholding privacy and freedom of speech and expression.
