Chinese Student Convicted of Drugging and Raping Multiple Women
On March 5, 2025, Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old Chinese student, was found guilty of drugging and raping ten women in a case that has shocked both the UK and China. The conviction, which includes 28 total offenses, was reached after a complex investigation by the Metropolitan Police that lasted over five weeks at the Inner London Crown Court. Zou, who resided in Elephant and Castle, will face sentencing on June 19.
Details of the Offenses
Zou’s criminal activities spanned both the UK and his home country of China. He was a student at University College London (UCL) since 2019 and had previously studied at Queen’s University Belfast. The investigation revealed that Zou used online dating platforms to lure women to his home, where he would offer them drinks laced with butanediol, a substance that converts to GHB in the body. This left his victims incapacitated, allowing him to film himself committing the assaults.
Detectives have identified two victims, but eight of the women he assaulted remain unnamed. Furthermore, they suspect that there could be over 50 additional victims who have yet to come forward. The police are urging anyone who may have been affected to seek support and report their experiences.
The Investigation Process
The investigation into Zou’s actions was extensive. Following a report from one of his victims, police executed a search warrant at his residence, uncovering drugs, hidden cameras, and a significant amount of digital evidence. Officers sifted through approximately six and a half trillion bytes of data, including around nine million messages from WeChat, to establish a pattern of Zou’s predatory behavior. This meticulous work revealed that his offenses were not limited to the UK but also extended to China.
The trial was supported by various agencies, including the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, which assisted in facilitating testimony from one of the victims. The collaboration among the Metropolitan Police, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the National Crime Agency was crucial in bringing this case to light.
Appeal for Additional Victims
In light of the verdict, the Metropolitan Police are now actively seeking additional victims who may have encountered Zou. They are particularly interested in hearing from women within the Chinese student community who lived in London between 2019 and 2024 or those who may have met him while he was in China. The police emphasize that many potential victims may not realize they have been victimized and assure them that any reports will be handled with sensitivity and care.
Commander Kevin Southworth of the Metropolitan Police described Zou as a “dangerous and prolific sexual predator” and commended the bravery of the women who testified against him. He reassured potential victims that they are not alone and can access support from both the police and independent organizations like Rape Crisis.
Support Resources
Victims or anyone with information related to Zou are encouraged to report through the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) or contact the police directly via email or phone. The MIPP is also available in Simplified Chinese to ensure accessibility for all potential victims.
The Metropolitan Police’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls is evident in their ongoing efforts to improve investigations and support for victims. Since 2021, they have significantly increased their charge rate for rape, reflecting a dedicated approach to addressing these serious offenses.