Russian-born billionaire Pavel Durov is making his 100-plus children wait three decades before they can touch his $14 billion fortune, insiders told The National Enquirer.
The elusive tech mogul, 40, who founded the encrypted messaging app Telegram, revealed he’s updating his will to freeze his wealth from his heirs until the year 2055.
Durov, who fathered six children naturally and claims to have donated sperm to clinics in more than 12 countries, said all of his biological and donor-conceived kids will receive equal rights — but only after a 30-year lockup period.
$132 million per child — but no early access
Based on his current net worth, each of the 100-plus heirs could inherit roughly $132 million. However, none will be allowed to access it until three decades have passed.
Durov stated that he wants his children to build themselves from scratch, free of reliance on inherited money. He emphasized that all of his children — regardless of how they were conceived — are equally entitled to his wealth and will be treated the same in his estate planning.
But the shocking clause in his will has already sparked panic among legal experts and beneficiaries. One insider close to the case told The National Enquirer that Durov’s plan could backfire if any of his children contest the delay in probate courts around the world.
Dark cloud over fortune as criminal probes swirl
While Durov’s inheritance announcement made headlines, his empire is now under scrutiny in France, where authorities detained him in August over allegations that Telegram is being used to coordinate drug trafficking and distribute child pornography.
Paris prosecutors confirmed they are investigating the platform’s potential role in concealing criminal networks. Although Durov was released without formal charges, French authorities reportedly seized internal Telegram data as part of the ongoing probe.
Cybercrime experts have long warned that Telegram’s end-to-end encryption, while popular for privacy, also attracts traffickers, extremists, and organized crime.
A European law enforcement source told The National Enquirer that multiple intelligence agencies have flagged Telegram as a growing threat to public safety.
Despite these allegations, Durov maintains he will not compromise Telegram’s security protocols, even if it means clashing with global governments.
His decision to bar his children from early access to his wealth appears designed to prevent a family power grab — or worse, interference during legal firestorms.
Several financial analysts said the delay could also shield the inheritance from asset seizures in case Durov’s legal issues escalate.
But with over 100 children scattered across multiple continents — and potentially multiple mothers — insiders say it’s only a matter of time before someone breaks the billionaire’s perfect plan.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.