Telegram’s Pavel Durov Plans to Share $17 Billion Fortune with 106 Children

Pavel Durov, the enigmatic founder and CEO of Telegram, has long been a figure of fascination in the tech world. Known for his staunch advocacy of privacy, his creation of one of the most secure messaging platforms, and his nomadic lifestyle, Durov has now made headlines for an extraordinary decision: to distribute his estimated $17 billion fortune among his 106 children. This unprecedented move has sparked global conversations about wealth, legacy, and responsibility. In this blog post, we’ll explore Durov’s life, the motivations behind this decision, the logistics of such a massive wealth transfer, and its broader implications.

Who is Pavel Durov?

Pavel Durov, often dubbed the “Russian Mark Zuckerberg,” was born on October 10, 1984, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Russia. A prodigious coder, Durov rose to prominence with VKontakte (VK), Russia’s answer to Facebook, which he co-founded in 2006. VK’s rapid growth made Durov a billionaire by his late 20s, but his refusal to comply with Russian government demands to censor content or share user data led to a dramatic exit. In 2014, he sold his stake in VK and left Russia, vowing never to return.

Durov then turned his focus to Telegram, a messaging app launched in 2013 that prioritizes encryption and user privacy. With over 900 million monthly active users as of 2025, Telegram has become a global powerhouse, rivaling WhatsApp and Signal. Durov’s wealth, estimated at $17 billion by Forbes, stems largely from his ownership of Telegram and strategic investments in cryptocurrencies and tech ventures. His minimalist lifestyle—marked by frequent moves between Dubai, France, and other locales—contrasts sharply with his vast fortune.

The Revelation: 106 Children

In a rare public statement posted on Telegram in early 2025, Durov disclosed that he has fathered 106 children through sperm donation over the past two decades. The announcement stunned the world, not only for its sheer scale but also for Durov’s candidness. He explained that he began donating sperm in his 20s, motivated by a desire to “contribute to human progress” and help families struggling with infertility. Many of these children, now ranging in age from infants to young adults, were born to anonymous recipients across multiple countries.

Durov’s decision to go public was prompted by his desire to connect with these children and ensure their financial security. “I’ve built my life around creating tools for freedom and connection,” he wrote. “Now, I want to extend that mission to my biological children, ensuring they have the resources to pursue their dreams without constraint.”

The Plan to Divide $17 Billion

Dividing a $17 billion fortune among 106 children is no small feat. Durov has outlined a preliminary framework for the wealth transfer, though details remain fluid. Here’s what we know so far:

1. Equal Distribution: Durov intends to allocate an equal share to each child, which would amount to approximately $160 million per child before taxes. This sum, while staggering, reflects his commitment to fairness.
2. Trust Funds: To manage the wealth responsibly, Durov plans to establish individual trust funds, with disbursements staggered over time. Children under 18 would receive access to portions of their inheritance at key milestones (e.g., 18, 25, and 30), while older children may receive lump sums or structured payments.
3. Global Logistics: Given the children’s diverse nationalities and residences, Durov’s legal team is navigating complex international tax laws and inheritance regulations. Jurisdictions like the UAE, where Durov is based, offer tax advantages, but recipients in countries like the U.S. or EU may face significant tax liabilities.
4. Education and Support: Beyond financial support, Durov has expressed interest in providing educational resources and mentorship to his children. He’s reportedly exploring a foundation to fund scholarships, entrepreneurial ventures, or privacy-focused tech projects for them.
5. Privacy Protections: True to his principles, Durov has vowed to safeguard his children’s identities. A dedicated team will handle communications and verify claims to prevent fraud or exploitation.

The scale of this plan is unprecedented, dwarfing even high-profile cases like Elon Musk’s wealth planning for his children. It raises logistical questions—how will Durov identify all 106 children? How will he balance their privacy with public scrutiny?—and philosophical ones: What does it mean to inherit such wealth without a personal connection to the donor?

Motivations Behind the Decision

Durov’s announcement has sparked debate about his motivations. Some see it as a genuine act of altruism, consistent with his libertarian ethos and belief in empowering individuals. Others speculate it’s a bid to cement his legacy or deflect criticism of Telegram’s controversial role in hosting unmoderated content. Here are some possible drivers:

• Legacy Building: At 40, Durov may be reflecting on his mortality and impact. By supporting 106 children, he ensures his values—privacy, freedom, innovation—live on through a new generation.
• Philosophical Beliefs: Durov has long championed individual sovereignty. Providing his children with financial independence aligns with his rejection of centralized control, whether by governments or corporations.
• Personal Redemption: Durov’s nomadic, solitary lifestyle has fueled speculation about his personal life. Connecting with his children, even indirectly, may be a way to address a sense of detachment.
• Public Relations: Telegram has faced scrutiny for enabling misinformation and illegal activities. This move could shift the narrative, casting Durov as a benevolent figure.

Whatever his reasons, the decision underscores Durov’s unconventional approach to life and wealth. Unlike traditional billionaires who pass fortunes to a small circle of heirs, Durov is redefining family and inheritance on his own terms.

Challenges and Criticisms

The plan is not without hurdles. Dividing $17 billion among 106 people invites logistical, legal, and ethical challenges:

• Verification: Identifying and verifying 106 children across multiple countries is a monumental task. Sperm donation records are often incomplete or anonymized, and fraudulent claims could complicate the process.
• Tax Implications: Wealth transfers of this magnitude trigger substantial taxes in many jurisdictions. Some children could lose a significant portion of their inheritance to local tax authorities.
• Inequality Concerns: Critics argue that funneling such wealth to 106 individuals, even if they’re Durov’s children, exacerbates global inequality. Why not donate to broader causes, like education or healthcare for millions?
• Psychological Impact: Receiving $160 million could be life-changing but also overwhelming, especially for young recipients. Without guidance, some may struggle to manage their wealth responsibly.
• Public Backlash: Durov’s revelation has already drawn criticism from those who view his prolific sperm donation as reckless or narcissistic. The wealth transfer could amplify these sentiments.

Durov’s team has acknowledged these challenges but insists the plan is a work in progress. “This is uncharted territory,” a spokesperson said. “We’re committed to doing this thoughtfully and transparently.”

Broader Implications

Durov’s decision has ripple effects beyond his personal fortune. It raises questions about wealth distribution, the ethics of sperm donation, and the role of billionaires in shaping society. Here are some key takeaways:

• Redefining Family: Durov’s case challenges traditional notions of family. In an era of advancing reproductive technologies, how do we define kinship and responsibility?
• Wealth Inequality: While Durov’s plan is generous, it highlights the concentration of wealth among tech moguls. Could this inspire other billionaires to rethink their legacies?
• Privacy vs. Transparency: Durov’s commitment to his children’s privacy mirrors Telegram’s ethos but clashes with the public’s curiosity. Balancing these tensions will be tricky.
• Tech’s Social Impact: As Telegram’s influence grows, so does scrutiny of Durov’s choices. His personal decisions are increasingly inseparable from his platform’s global footprint.

Pavel Durov’s plan to divide his $17 billion fortune among 106 children is a bold, polarizing move that encapsulates his enigmatic persona. It’s a testament to his belief in individual empowerment, his defiance of convention, and his willingness to embrace controversy. As the world watches this unprecedented wealth transfer unfold, it’s clear that Durov’s legacy—both financial and philosophical—will resonate for generations.

Whether you view him as a visionary or a provocateur, one thing is certain: Pavel Durov continues to challenge the status quo, forcing us to grapple with big questions about wealth, family, and the future. What do you think of his decision? Share your thoughts in the comments below.