Ilya Perekopsky (born 1989) is a Russian‑born internet entrepreneur and software developer. He is best known for his early involvement with the social networking service VKontakte (VK) and for his subsequent role at the messaging platform Telegram.
Early life and education
Perekopsky was born in Russia in 1989. Details regarding his formal education are not extensively documented in reliable public sources.
Career
VKontakte
In 2006, while still a teenager, Perekopsky co‑founded VKontakte, a Russian‑language social network that became the largest social platform in the Russian‑speaking internet market. He worked on the development and expansion of the service alongside co‑founder Pavel Durov. Following internal disputes and the sale of VKontakte to Russian investors in 2014, Perekopsky left the company.
Telegram
After departing VKontakte, Perekopsky relocated to the United Kingdom and joined Telegram, a cloud‑based instant messaging application founded by Pavel Durov. At Telegram, he initially served as an advisor on corporate development and later assumed the role of chief of staff to Durov. In this capacity, he has been involved in strategic planning, regulatory affairs, and public communications for the platform.
Public profile
Perekopsky maintains a low public profile, with limited personal information disclosed in reputable sources. He has occasionally appeared in media reports concerning Telegram’s operational decisions and has been noted for his close working relationship with Durov.
Legal and regulatory matters
In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, several Western governments imposed sanctions on Russian individuals and entities linked to the state media apparatus. Perekopsky was listed among individuals sanctioned by the United Kingdom and the European Union in early 2023, primarily due to his role at Telegram, which was alleged to have been used for disseminating information favorable to the Russian government. The sanctions were later lifted in 2024 after legal challenges and subsequent reviews; however, the specific legal reasoning and outcomes are documented in official sanction registers.
References
- Official UK Government sanctions list, 2023.
- European Union Official Journal, Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/45.
- Press releases and public statements from Telegram Ltd.
- News coverage from reputable outlets such as Reuters and The Financial Times regarding the sanctions and their reversal.
