By Ude Emmanuel
In a move that has stunned both the tech world and social commentators globally, the reclusive billionaire founder of Telegram has reportedly declared that his estimated £17 billion fortune will be divided among the 106 children he has fathered across various countries. The revelation, which surfaced during a private event among close associates, has thrown the spotlight on a man who has long maintained an air of mystery—even as his company, Telegram, reshaped global communication.
A Billionaire Shrouded in Mystery
The figure at the center of this astonishing development is known for guarding his privacy with the same intensity that Telegram guards its users’ data. Though not often in the media limelight, the founder’s decision to reveal details about his personal life—particularly the number of children he has fathered—has upended long-standing assumptions about his lifestyle.
Described as both brilliant and eccentric, the tech mogul made his fortune through the creation and growth of Telegram, a messaging platform that has soared to over 800 million users worldwide. His wealth, estimated at £17 billion, stems not only from Telegram but also from a portfolio of early tech investments and blockchain ventures. Despite his massive net worth, he has avoided the flashy lifestyle often associated with billionaires. Instead, he has favored a low profile, often moving between countries and living in what insiders call “philosophical exile” from modern capitalist excess.
The Children Behind the Legacy
What has shocked many is not merely the size of the inheritance, but the sheer number of children set to benefit from it. According to sources close to the family, the 106 children were born over the span of more than two decades through a mix of traditional relationships and surrogate arrangements. While some of the children are reportedly known to each other, many are scattered across the globe, raised in various cultural and socio-economic environments.
Though the public may be stunned, those within the billionaire’s inner circle say this has been in the works for years. “He’s always believed in passing on wealth not just through blood, but through values—discipline, curiosity, independence,” said a longtime friend. It’s also reported that many of the children have been brought up under unique educational systems, with an emphasis on multilingual fluency, critical thinking, and coding from early ages.
A Radical Vision for Inheritance
Legal experts and financial analysts have pointed out that dividing such a vast fortune among over a hundred heirs presents a logistical nightmare. Still, the mogul has reportedly outlined a detailed succession plan involving trusts, digital assets, and educational endowments to ensure each child receives not only a share of the money but also long-term support.
The inheritance is not expected to be distributed evenly. Instead, sources suggest that the billionaire is setting up performance-based conditions, encouraging entrepreneurship and intellectual achievement. “It’s less of a handout, more of a launchpad,” said one associate familiar with the will’s terms. “He’s not just giving them fish—he’s giving them fishing rods and teaching them how to fish in the digital ocean.”
A Legacy Unlike Any Other
Beyond the wealth itself, this move has sparked debates around legacy, wealth transfer, and unconventional family structures. Critics have questioned the ethics and implications of fathering such a large number of children, while others see it as a futuristic—if controversial—way of reshaping the human experience. “He doesn’t believe in borders, conventional family units, or even the permanence of states,” said one former adviser. “His vision of legacy is far broader—one that spans genes, ideas, and a decentralized philosophy.”
Regardless of public opinion, one thing is certain: this unprecedented act of mass inheritance will reshape how wealth, parenthood, and legacy are perceived in the digital age. Whether this bold move inspires admiration or alarm, it firmly cements the Telegram founder as one of the most unconventional billionaires of the 21st century.
