Chinese Student Zhenhao Zou Convicted of Multiple Rapes in UK and China

Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese PhD student, was found guilty of drugging and raping 10 women between 2019 and 2023 in London and China. The court believes there may be over 50 additional victims. Zou was recorded filming his assaults and maintaining trophies, leading to his characterization as a serious sex offender by judges and law enforcement officials. Authorities encourage more victims to come forward as they pursue additional investigations.

On March 5, 2025, a Chinese PhD student named Zhenhao Zou, 28, was convicted by a London court of drugging and raping 10 women across England and China over a span from 2019 to 2023. Following a month-long trial at the Inner London Crown Court, the jury found Zou guilty on multiple counts of rape, with indications that there might be more than 50 additional victims who have yet to be identified.

Zou filmed nine of his attacks, utilizing hidden or handheld cameras to keep records of the incidents as “souvenirs.” He often maintained a trophy box containing items belonging to his victims. The jury found that he had raped three women in London and seven in China, leading to the conclusion that he is potentially one of the most egregious sex offenders in the UK’s history.

Although claiming that the sexual interactions were consensual, the jury’s deliberations extended beyond 19 hours, during which they were shown footage related to the assaults. Judge Rosina Cottage characterized Zou as a “dangerous and predatory sexual offender,” and emphasized that his sentencing would be stringent. Zhenhao Zou faced charges including voyeurism, possession of extreme pornographic images, and false imprisonment, among others.

Zou praised for befriending victims using WeChat and dating apps, would invite them for drinks before drugging them in his London apartments or unidentified locations in China. Metropolitan Police Commander Kevin Southworth expressed gratitude to the two women who provided testimony against Zou, indicating a larger potential pool of victims. The police have urged anyone who might have encountered Zou to come forward.

Concerns regarding the quality of interpretation during the trial were raised, spotlighting potential difficulties for some victims. In 2017, Zou relocated to Belfast to study mechanical engineering before enrolling at University College London for further studies. UCL’s president Dr. Michael Spence commended the courage shown by the women who reported the crimes and participated in the trial.

Zhenhao Zou’s conviction for drugging and raping multiple women highlights significant issues surrounding sexual violence and victim support. The alarming potential for over 50 additional victims underscores the importance of vigilance and proper victim services. Zou’s case evokes concerns about the adequacy of legal proceedings and support systems available to survivors of such crimes. It is crucial for police and institutions to ensure victims feel safe and supported when coming forward, to prevent future offenses.

Original Source: apnews.com