**The Telegram CEO reveals plans for his wealth while confronting criminal allegations in France.**
**Telegram Founder to Distribute $13.9 Billion Fortune Among Over 100 Children**
**Telegram Founder to Distribute $13.9 Billion Fortune Among Over 100 Children**
**Pavel Durov commits to equitable inheritance for his extensive family, emphasizing self-reliance.**
Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular instant messaging platform Telegram, has announced that his estimated fortune of $13.9 billion (£10.3 billion) will be shared among the more than 100 children he has fathered. In an interview with French publication Le Point, Durov proclaimed, "They are all my children and will all have the same rights! I don't want them to tear each other apart after my death."
While Durov identifies himself as the "official father" of six children belonging to three different partners, he has also fathered over 100 additional children through sperm donations at a fertility clinic. He elaborated on his intentions, stating that none of his children would receive their inheritance for three decades. This decision, he says, is to encourage them to live independently and learn self-reliance rather than relying on wealth. "I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone, to learn to trust themselves," he emphasized.
At 40 years old, Durov explained that the need for a will arose from the potential risks associated with his work, particularly when it comes to defending personal freedoms. His position has made him numerous enemies, including those within powerful state entities, he noted.
In addition to discussing his family plans, Durov addressed the serious criminal charges he is facing in France regarding insufficient moderation of his app. He was arrested last year on accusations of failing to properly regulate the platform concerning drug trafficking and child abuse content. Durov categorically denied these allegations, labeling them as "totally absurd" and asserting that the presence of criminals on his service does not equate to criminality on his part.
Telegram is known for its emphasis on privacy and encrypted communications, boasting over a billion active users each month. Durov firmly stands against the notion that his app's moderation practices are inadequate.
While Durov identifies himself as the "official father" of six children belonging to three different partners, he has also fathered over 100 additional children through sperm donations at a fertility clinic. He elaborated on his intentions, stating that none of his children would receive their inheritance for three decades. This decision, he says, is to encourage them to live independently and learn self-reliance rather than relying on wealth. "I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone, to learn to trust themselves," he emphasized.
At 40 years old, Durov explained that the need for a will arose from the potential risks associated with his work, particularly when it comes to defending personal freedoms. His position has made him numerous enemies, including those within powerful state entities, he noted.
In addition to discussing his family plans, Durov addressed the serious criminal charges he is facing in France regarding insufficient moderation of his app. He was arrested last year on accusations of failing to properly regulate the platform concerning drug trafficking and child abuse content. Durov categorically denied these allegations, labeling them as "totally absurd" and asserting that the presence of criminals on his service does not equate to criminality on his part.
Telegram is known for its emphasis on privacy and encrypted communications, boasting over a billion active users each month. Durov firmly stands against the notion that his app's moderation practices are inadequate.
