DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the popular messaging platform Telegram, has announced plans to bequeath his wealth to his more than 100 children. This unconventional decision involves both his six legal children and numerous others conceived through sperm donation.

In an interview with a French political magazine, Durov disclosed that he views all of his children equally, emphasizing their rights to his estate. “They are all my children and will all have the same rights,” he stated, expressing a desire to avoid conflict among them after his passing.

Last year, Durov publicly revealed the surprisingly high number of children he has fathered, sharing that a doctor’s advice guided him to donate his sperm over a span of 15 years. He referred to it as fulfilling a “civic duty,” underscoring his belief in the importance of contributing to society.

Despite his estimated fortune of $13.9 billion, Durov refuted the figure as speculative, explaining that much of his wealth is not liquid and doesn’t derive from Telegram. Instead, he pointed to his early investments in bitcoin as a significant source of his assets. “Since I’m not selling Telegram, it doesn’t matter,” he remarked.

Durov also made it clear that his children will not have immediate access to his fortune. He has set a 30-year waiting period, aiming to foster independence and self-reliance among them. “I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone,” he asserted, reiterating that he does not differentiate between his children based on how they were conceived.

His decision to formalize a will now stems from the high-stakes environment surrounding his work. Living in Dubai, Durov said the nature of his business—advocating for personal freedoms—can create enemies in powerful circles. “I want to protect my children and ensure Telegram remains true to the values I stand for,” he explained.

Telegram, recognized for its strong encryption and minimal user oversight, boasts over a billion monthly users. However, Durov has faced significant controversy, having been arrested in Paris last year on various charges. These include allegations that the platform facilitated illegal activities such as money laundering and the distribution of child pornography.

Durov has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, labeling the accusations as “absurd.” He emphasized that the presence of criminals on his platform does not implicate him or his company. “Just because criminals use our messaging service among many others doesn’t make those who run it criminals,” he stated.

As Telegram continues to navigate its challenges, Durov’s unique approach to parenthood and wealth might bring attention to broader discussions about family dynamics and the responsibilities associated with significant wealth.