Chinese PhD Student Convicted of Drugging and Raping Multiple Women in UK

Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old Chinese PhD student, was convicted in London court of drugging and raping 10 women from 2019 to 2023. He used hidden cameras to record his assaults and could have over 50 additional victims. He will be sentenced on June 19 as police continue to investigate further incidents and potential victims.

A London jury has found Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old Chinese PhD student, guilty of drugging and raping 10 women across England and China. The verdict was delivered after a comprehensive monthlong trial at the Inner London Crown Court, where Zou was convicted of 11 counts of rape, including two related to a single victim. Jurors determined that he assaulted three of the women in London and seven in China, with police estimating that over 50 additional victims may exist.

Zou, who documented his crimes using hidden cameras, filmed nine of the attacks as a form of “souvenirs” and amassed a trophy box filled with the victims’ belongings. During the trial, Zou claimed that the sexual encounters were consensual; however, the evidence presented indicated otherwise. He will face sentencing on June 19.

Judge Rosina Cottage labeled Zou a “dangerous and predatory sexual offender,” indicating that his upcoming sentence will be significantly lengthy. In addition to the rape charges, Zou was also convicted of three counts of voyeurism, ten counts related to possessing extreme pornographic images, one count of false imprisonment, and three counts of possession of a controlled substance for sexual offense purposes.

Zou befriended and drugged victims, primarily fellow students of Chinese heritage, whom he met on platforms like WeChat and dating apps. Commissioner Kevin Southworth of the Metropolitan Police described Zou’s actions as cruel, stating that the offenses left victims incapacitated, often forgetting the assaults. He noted the potential for numerous other victims and urged anyone who may have been targeted to report to the police.

Discussions of the trial also revealed inadequate interpretation services, which hindered the victims during police questioning. Zou moved to Belfast in 2017 to study mechanical engineering and subsequently transferred to University College London (UCL) for his advanced studies. UCL’s president, Dr. Michael Spence, expressed solidarity with the survivors, honoring their courage in coming forward to testify against Zou.

The recent conviction of Zhenhao Zou marks a significant verdict in a case involving multiple victims subjected to severe sexual crimes. His actions not only demonstrate a serious breach of trust but also highlight the pressing issue of sexual violence against individuals, prompting calls for broader investigations into potential additional victims. Authorities remain focused on providing support to survivors while reminding the public of the importance of reporting such criminal activities.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com