Chinese PhD student jailed for raping 10 women across UK, China
A Chinese PhD student, described as one of the UK's most prolific sexual predators, has been jailed for life for drugging and raping 10 women in the UK and China. Zhenhao Zou, 28, who studied at University College London, must serve at least 24 years, including time already spent in custody, before being eligible for parole.Zou used his intelligence and wealth to hide behind a faade of charm, befriending fellow Chinese students on WeChat and dating apps. He lured victims to his flats in London or China, where he drugged them with sedatives and raped them while they were unconscious. He filmed nine of the assaults and kept a 'trophy box' of victims' belongings.advertisementOnly three victims have been identified, but police fear dozens more may have been attacked. After a trial at Inner London Crown Court, Zou was convicted of 11 counts of rape, voyeurism, false imprisonment, drug offences, and possession of extreme pornography.
The court heard how Zou treated his victims as 'sex toys' in a calculated campaign of abuse. Judge Rosina Cottage said he had a 'sexual interest in power and control,' showing no understanding of consent. Despite the disturbing evidence, Zou remained emotionless as he was sentenced.His crimes were uncovered in late 2023 when a woman reported an attack. Though initial evidence was insufficient, police later found disturbing videos and sedative drugs in his flat.The Metropolitan Police's investigation is ongoing, with 24 more women coming forward since the trial began. Authorities urge potential victims to speak out, promising they will be treated with 'empathy, kindness, and respect.'advertisement
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