LONDON: A Chinese national, Zhenhao Zou, has been convicted of drugging and raping women in both the UK and China.
Conviction Details
Zou, 28, was found guilty of 28 offenses, including 11 counts of rape against 10 women.
A jury convicted him after a five-and-a-half-week trial at Inner London Crown Court.
The court heard he recorded many assaults and kept victims’ belongings as trophies.
Eight of the 10 women he assaulted in the UK have not yet been identified.
Detectives believe there may be over 50 unidentified victims across different locations.
Investigation Findings
Zou, from Dongguan, China, moved to the UK in 2017 and studied at UCL and Queen’s University Belfast.
He met women through online platforms and dating apps, luring them to his home.
He used butanediol, a substance that converts to GHB, to drug victims.
Once unconscious, Zou filmed himself sexually assaulting the women.
Police found hidden cameras, drugs, and large amounts of digital evidence at his home.
Digital Evidence
Officers retrieved over six trillion bytes of data from his devices.
Police analyzed nine million WeChat messages related to his crimes.
Authorities translated messages from Simplified Chinese to English.
Hundreds of videos showed Zou sexually assaulting unconscious victims.
Evidence revealed he committed similar crimes in China before moving to the UK.
International Assistance
Chinese authorities helped facilitate a victim giving testimony during the trial.
The Metropolitan Police worked with UK prosecutors and security agencies.
The Crown Prosecution Service played a key role in building the case.
The National Crime Agency assisted in tracking Zou’s activities.
Foreign officials supported efforts to ensure justice for international victims.
Ongoing Appeal
Authorities are urging potential victims to come forward.
Police believe some women may not realize they were assaulted.
Victims from the Chinese student community in London are encouraged to report.
Women who met Zou on apps like WeChat and Bumble may have been affected.
Some victims may have visited his addresses in central London and Elephant and Castle.
Support and Reporting
Specialist officers are available to provide support to victims.
Women can report anonymously if they do not wish to go public.
Rape Crisis UK is offering independent guidance for survivors.
Police assure reports will be handled with care and sensitivity.
Witnesses who interacted with Zou at social events are also encouraged to share information.
Police Statement
Commander Kevin Southworth called Zou a “dangerous and prolific sexual predator.”
He praised two victims for their courage in testifying against Zou.
Southworth urged any unidentified victims to seek support.
He reassured survivors that they are not alone in this.
The investigation team was commended for their dedication to justice.
Community Response
Authorities acknowledge the impact on London’s Chinese student community.
Local police are working with partners to offer specialized support.
Concerns from the community are being addressed with sensitivity.
Detectives are committed to preventing future crimes of this nature.
Ongoing efforts aim to ensure justice for all affected individuals.
Contact Information
Victims can report via the Major Incident Public Portal.
A Simplified Chinese version is available for accessibility.
Reports can also be sent via email to survivors@met.police.uk.
People in the UK can call 101, referencing case number 2904/04FEB25.
Rape Crisis UK offers 24/7 support at 0808 500 2222.
Authorities stress the importance of coming forward to prevent further harm.
