Telegram founder says he has fathered greater than 100 kids

The multi-billionaire founding father of on the spot messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, says he has fathered greater than 100 kids.

“The clinic, the place I began donating sperm 15 years in the past to assist a good friend, advised me that greater than 100 infants had been conceived this fashion in 12 international locations,” Mr Durov advised French political journal Le Level.

Mr Durov, who says he’s the “official father” of six different kids with three completely different companions, added that every one of his offspring will share his estimated $13.9bn (£10.3bn) fortune.

He additionally reiterated that he denies any wrongdoing in reference to severe prison fees he faces in France.

“They’re all my kids and can all have the identical rights! I do not need them to tear one another aside after my demise,” Mr Durov mentioned.

However the self-exiled Russian expertise tycoon advised the journal that none of his kids would have entry to their inheritance for 30 years.

“I need them to stay like regular individuals, to construct themselves up alone, to be taught to belief themselves, to have the ability to create, to not be depending on a checking account,” he mentioned.

The 40-year-old mentioned he had written a will now as a result of his job “entails dangers – defending freedoms earns you a lot enemies, together with inside highly effective states”.

His app, Telegram, identified for its deal with privateness and encrypted messaging, has greater than a billion month-to-month energetic customers.

Mr Durov additionally addressed prison fees he faces in France, the place he was arrested final 12 months after being accused of failing to correctly reasonable the app to cut back criminality.

He has denied failing to cooperate with regulation enforcement over drug trafficking, little one sexual abuse content material and fraud. Telegram has beforehand denied having inadequate moderation.

Within the Le Level interview he described the costs as “completely absurd”.

“Simply because criminals use our messaging service amongst many others does not make those that run it criminals,” he added.