The structural and magnetic properties of the Co7Te8 layered compound have been studied for the first time using X-ray diffraction, measurements of the magnetic susceptibility, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy on Co-59 nuclei. The nuclear magnetic resonance study of Co7Se8 selenide with the same structural type (NiAs) as Co7Te8 has also been performed for the first time. In contrast to Co7Se8, the ordering of vacancies and Co atoms in cation layers is absent in the Co7Te8 compound, and its crystal structure is more planar and is characterized by a significantly smaller ratio c(0)/a(0) compared to Co7Se8 (a(0) and c(0) are the basic lattice parameters of NiAs). The components of the magnetic shift and electric field gradient tensors at the location of Co nuclei have been determined. A significant local charge and spin inhomogeneity of the compounds has been revealed. The hyperfine coupling constant in Co ions has been estimated from the temperature dependences of the shift and susceptibility in Co7Te8. An anisotropic increase in the interatomic distances does not increase the localization of 3d electrons and does not lead to the appearance of magnetic moments on Coatoms in Co7Te8. This compound remains a Pauli paramagnet down to the lowest temperatures.