Pavel Durov prepares will due to enemies in 'powerful countries'
Tengrinews.kz – The founder of the popular messenger Pavel Durov has written a will. More than a hundred children of Durov will inherit only after 30 years. The businessman shared this in an interview with the French outlet Le Point.
He instructed that the inheritance be passed on to the children only 30 years "from today", so they learn to rely on themselves. He added that if he were to suddenly disappear, a foundation would take over the management of Telegram, ensuring the preservation of his values.
The Telegram founder, now 40 years old, said he drew up a will due to the risks associated with his work.
“Fighting for freedom creates many enemies, including in powerful states. I want to protect my children, and also the company Telegram, which I founded. I want Telegram to always remain true to the values I stand for,” Durov said.
According to the businessman, his goal is to "ensure the continuity of the platform: I want it to continue to exist independently, respecting privacy and freedom of speech."
Durov said he has six "officially recognized" children by three women, and over 100 children in 12 countries, born through sperm donation.
"I’ve decided that my children will not have access to my wealth until thirty years from today. I want them to live like ordinary people," said the businessman.
He clarified that he makes no distinction between his children - those "conceived naturally" and those born as a result of sperm donation.
"They are all my children, and they will all have equal rights. I don’t want them to tear each other apart after my death," Durov said.
He also shared that he remains the sole shareholder of Telegram, owning 100% of the company. According to him, this is "the only way to guarantee Telegram’s full independence."
Durov’s net worth is estimated by Forbes at $17.1 billion, placing him 134th on the list of the world’s richest people, and 8th among Russian businessmen (though Durov himself does not consider himself a Russian entrepreneur).