A former international student from China who prosecutors described as a “smart and charming predator” has been convicted of a string of horrifying sexual offences against multiple women in the UK and China.
Zhenhao Zou, 28, formerly of Elephant and Castle, was found guilty in March of 11 counts of rape, three counts of voyeurism, and a host of other charges including drug possession with intent to commit sexual offences and false imprisonment. He is due to be sentenced on Thursday and is expected to receive a “very long” jail term, according to Judge Rosina Cottage, who presided over the trial.
Victims and Evidence
The conviction followed a month-long trial at a UK court, where jurors were forced to watch harrowing footage Zou filmed of himself raping unconscious women. Police believe that Zou may have attacked more than 50 women, with at least two confirmed victims in the UK and seven in China.
Investigators say he lured victims—primarily Chinese students—through WeChat and dating apps, before inviting them to his flats in Russell Square and Elephant and Castle. There, he drugged them using butanediol, a sedative also used by serial killer Stephen Port.
Police recovered hundreds of hours of footage from Zou’s devices. Officers also uncovered a trophy box containing women’s personal items, including undergarments and identity documents.
More than 20 additional women have since come forward following media coverage, with detectives fearing a case scale similar to that of Reynhard Sinaga, the UK’s most prolific convicted rapist.
Court Findings
Zou was convicted of:
- 11 counts of rape
- 3 counts of voyeurism
- 1 count of false imprisonment
- 10 counts of possession of extreme pornographic images
- 3 counts of possession of drugs with intent to commit sexual offences
He was acquitted of two further sexual assault charges and one rape charge.
The court heard how Zou used pipettes and spiked drinks to incapacitate his victims. One woman told the jury she was trapped in Zou’s flat and repeatedly assaulted after being coerced into drinking heavily. Another victim, now in China, described being raped while unconscious in Zou’s university accommodation.
Education, Wealth, and Deception
Zou came to the UK in 2017 to study mechanical engineering at Queen’s University Belfast before pursuing a master’s and PhD at UCL in London. Police say he presented himself as “wealthy, stylish and cultured,” often flaunting designer clothes, a Rolex, and undergoing cosmetic surgery.
Transnational Justice and Next Steps
While most of the rapes occurred in London and Beijing, Zou was tried for crimes committed abroad under UK law, which permits prosecution for offences committed outside the UK if the perpetrator resides in Britain and the acts are criminal in both jurisdictions.
UK detectives said Chinese authorities were “helpful” during the investigation. However, no properties in China have yet been searched, despite many offences occurring there. Discussions are underway with Chinese platforms such as WeChat and Little Red Book to issue further victim appeals.
Police Appeal
Metropolitan Police say they fear many women may still be unaware they were victims due to the use of sedatives. Investigators are urging anyone with concerns about interactions with Zou—also known online as “Pakho”—to contact them.
A spokesperson said:
“This was a disturbing and calculated campaign of abuse. If you believe you were affected, please come forward. You will be treated with sensitivity and care.”
Parallels to Sinaga and Port
The case has drawn comparisons to notorious offenders Reynhard Sinaga and Stephen Port, both of whom drugged and raped multiple victims. Like Sinaga, Zou stored large archives of abuse and is suspected of having far more victims than currently known.
How to Help
If you believe you may have been a victim of Zhenhao Zou or know someone who may have been, you are urged to contact Met Police’s Specialist Crime Command or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.
For support:
- Rape Crisis England & Wales: 0808 802 9999
- Victim Support: 0808 168 9111
- Met Police non-emergency: 101
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