Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old PhD student at University College London (UCL), has been convicted of drugging and raping at least ten women in what authorities believe could be one of the worst cases of serial sexual violence in British history. Detectives fear his true number of victims—both in the UK and China—could be far greater, with as many as 50 women potentially affected.
A Double Life
Zou lived a life of privilege, a secret life fueled by wealth, drugs, and sexual violence, funded by his wealthy Chinese parents.
Originally from Guangdong province, China, he moved to the UK in 2017 to study at Queen’s University Belfast before transferring to UCL in 2019 for a master’s degree and later a PhD in mechanical engineering.
He rented a luxury flat in south London for £4,000 a month, spent thousands on designer goods, and underwent multiple cosmetic procedures. Outwardly, he appeared to be a charming and successful academic, but behind closed doors, he was recording his violent crimes for personal gratification.
The Crimes and Investigation
Zou’s crimes came to light when a woman reported to the Metropolitan Police in November 2023 that he had raped her at his South London flat in Elephant and Castle. Shortly after, Zou fled to China but was arrested upon his return to the UK in January 2024.
A search of his apartment revealed a disturbing collection of evidence: hidden cameras in his bedroom, 1,270 videos, 1,660 hours of footage, at least 58 recorded rapes and an array of drugs including substances such as GHB used for stupefying victims. Police also found a trophy box containing personal items belonging to his victims, such as designer clothes, expensive jewelry, and a Rolex watch, in his apartment.
Jurors had to endure hours of harrowing footage, showing women in states of drugged incapacity, some with visible bruises, while Zou ignored their pleas for mercy. The Met Police’s DCI Richard Mackenzie described how they identified Zou’s London-based attacks through details like English plug sockets visible in the footage.
A Digital House of Horrors
Investigators combed through hours of footage that Zou had meticulously recorded. The videos showed him attacking unconscious or semi-conscious women, many of whom remain unidentified. His method was chillingly consistent: he would lure women to his flat, often under the pretense of studying or socializing, drug them, and then assault them while filming the attacks. His videos were not only recordings of his crimes but also trophies, which he stored alongside victims’ personal belongings, including jewelry and clothing.
Many of his victims were Chinese women whom he met through social circles, dating apps, and London’s Chinatown community. The Metropolitan Police had to develop specialized software to analyze over 9 million messages from the Chinese social media app WeChat and scrutinize video evidence for clues about unidentified victims.
Among his victims were students, an online influencer, an escort, and other young women he met through dating apps like Bumble. Some of his crimes were committed in China during the pandemic when he returned home in 2020, while others occurred in London.
Zou’s crimes spanned from 2019 to 2024, with seven of the rapes occurring in China and four in London. The jury was forced to watch harrowing footage of nine rapes during his trial, which took place at Inner London Crown Court. Officers said jurors were visibly distressed by the evidence, needing frequent breaks due to the disturbing nature of the videos.
The Psychology of a Predator
Testifying in his own defense, Zou admitted to an obsession with extreme pornography, particularly content that depicted unconscious or passive women. He told the court that he preferred “time-stop” pornography, in which women appear frozen and unresponsive.
When questioned about his preference for sleeping or unconscious women, he chillingly responded, “Yes, that’s my favorite type.” He attempted to justify his actions by claiming that his victims were participating in “rape roleplay.” However, the prosecution’s evidence—including footage of drugged women barely able to move or speak—overwhelmingly disproved this claim.
Justice and the Ongoing Search for Victims
On 19 June, Zou will be sentenced, with Judge Rosina Cottage warning that he faces a “very long” prison term. He has already been convicted of:
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11 counts of rape
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3 counts of voyeurism
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10 counts of possession of extreme pornographic images
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1 count of false imprisonment
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3 counts of possession of controlled drugs with intent to commit a sexual offence
Seeking Justice for More Victims
Detectives believe there may be many more victims—some of whom may not even be aware they were attacked due to the memory-erasing effects of the drugs he used. The Metropolitan Police have issued an urgent appeal for women who may have encountered Zou to come forward.
Commander Kevin Southworth of the Met Police described Zou as potentially “one of the most prolific sexual predators we’ve ever seen in this country.” He emphasized the insidious nature of Zou’s crimes, highlighting the likelihood that some survivors may never know they were assaulted.
Authorities believe many of Zou’s victims may not even realize they were attacked due to the amnesiac effects of the drugs he used. The Met Police has launched an appeal for potential victims, especially within London’s Chinese student community, to come forward.
Commander Kevin Southworth of the Met Police emphasized the severity of the case: “Such is the insidious nature of these offences, I think there is a possibility that many more victim survivors may not even know that he has, in fact, raped them.”
UCL president Dr. Michael Spence expressed shock and support for the victims, stating: “We have been appalled by these horrific offences. Our thoughts are with the survivors, and we wish to pay tribute to the bravery of the women who reported these crimes and gave evidence at the trial.”
Saira Pike of the Crown Prosecution Service also commended the courage of the victims, adding: “Zou is a serial rapist and a danger to women.”
Zou is scheduled to be sentenced on June 19, where he faces a long prison term for his crimes. Authorities hope that his conviction will encourage more survivors to step forward and seek justice.
As authorities continue to investigate, they urge anyone who may have encountered Zou to come forward, particularly women from the Chinese student community in London. Reports can be made online through the Major Incident Public Portal.
Zou’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by predators who exploit drugs, technology, and their positions of privilege to commit heinous crimes. It is only through the bravery of survivors and the relentless pursuit of justice that criminals like Zou can be held accountable.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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