Chinese PhD Student Convicted of Drugging and Raping Ten Women in the UK and China
Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese PhD student, was convicted in London of drugging and raping ten women between 2019 and 2023. Authorities believe there may be over 50 additional victims. He filmed several assaults and has been labeled a serious sexual predator. Sentencing is set for June 19, while police encourage other victims to come forward.
A London jury has convicted Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old Chinese PhD student, of drugging and raping ten women in England and China over a span from 2019 to 2023. Following a month-long trial at the Inner London Crown Court, he was found guilty of 11 counts of rape, with two offenses involving the same victim. Jurors deliberated for over 19 hours, concluding that Zou assaulted three women in London and seven in China.
Police officials expressed concern that Zou may have additional unidentified victims, estimating that over 50 women could have been affected, positioning him among the most notorious sex offenders in U.K. history. The defendant secretly filmed nine of the attacks, preserving these recordings as “souvenirs,” while he also gathered personal belongings from the victims in a trophy box.
Zou, who was pursuing his PhD in mechanical engineering at University College London, contended that his sexual interactions were consensual. He awaits sentencing on June 19. Jurors were reportedly disturbed by the graphic footage they viewed during the trial, prompting regular breaks.
Judge Rosina Cottage characterized Zou as a “dangerous and predatory sexual offender,” indicating that he would receive a lengthy sentence. In addition to the rape charges, he was convicted of voyeurism, possession of extreme pornographic images, false imprisonment, and possession of a controlled drug with intent to commit sexual offenses, specifically butanediol. However, he was acquitted of other related charges.
Zou, also known online as Pakho, utilized dating apps and WeChat to befriend students of Chinese heritage, luring them for drinks before drugging them in his London apartments or elsewhere in China. Metropolitan Police Commander Kevin Southworth stated, “He has done all that he can in these offenses to incapacitate his victims to the point where they could not resist his attack.” He thanked the courageous women who testified and urged others who might have been victimized to come forward.
During the trial, concerns arose regarding the quality of interpretation services provided to victims, sparking commentary from Southworth about the need for improved translation. Zou’s academic journey began in Belfast, Northern Ireland, before he advanced his studies at UCL. Dr. Michael Spence, president of UCL, expressed condolences for the survivors and commended the bravery of the women who brought these crimes to light.
In summary, Zhenhao Zou has been found guilty of drugging and raping multiple women in both the UK and China, with potential for more unreported victims. His predatory behavior, as detailed during his trial, emphasizes the grave nature of his offenses. The police continue to seek additional victims who may have suffered from his actions, and the case underscores the need for improved support for survivors during legal proceedings.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
