A Chinese PhD student who recorded himself raping unconscious women will serve at least 24 years in prison for a heinous pattern of predatory behavior that may have claimed more than 50 victims across multiple countries.
Key Takeaways
- Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old University College London PhD student, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for drugging and raping at least 10 women in the UK and China.
- Police discovered 1,664 hours of footage including 58 videos of rape, with investigators believing there may be more than 50 total victims.
- Zou systematically targeted fellow Chinese students through social media and dating apps, drugging them at his apartment before filming the assaults.
- The judge described Zou as “highly manipulative and intelligent” with “no thought at all of the wishes and feelings of the women” he victimized.
- At least 24 additional women have come forward with allegations since his conviction, as police urge other potential victims to report their experiences.
Calculated Predator Behind a “Charming Mask”
Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old mechanical engineering student at University College London, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 24 years after being convicted of 28 offenses, including 11 rapes, voyeurism, and possession of extreme pornography. Zou’s sophisticated method of targeting women, primarily fellow Chinese students, involved using social media and dating websites under the alias “Pakho.” He would invite victims to his apartment under the pretext of studying or having drinks, where he would then drug and assault them while they were unconscious.
“A highly manipulative and intelligent young man who gave no thought at all of the wishes and feelings of the women,” said Judge Cottage KC about Zou’s calculated approach to his crimes.
Investigators discovered that Zou, described by Judge Rosina Cottage as a “very bright young man” who used a “charming mask” to conceal his true nature, meticulously documented his crimes. Police found 1,664 hours of footage on his devices, including 58 videos of rapes, alongside sedatives and recording equipment in his apartment. Perhaps most disturbing was the discovery of a “trophy box” containing items believed to be “souvenirs” taken from his victims after the assaults.
Scale of Offending Spans Multiple Countries
The international nature of Zou’s crimes presents a troubling case study in cross-border sexual predation. His pattern of behavior continued seamlessly between his residences in London and China, where he targeted vulnerable women in both countries using identical methods. The prosecution proved that Zou had drugged and raped at least 10 women, but investigators believe the true number could exceed 50 victims based on evidence recovered from his devices and residence.
“The sheer scale of his offending, which spanned two countries, makes him one of the most prolific predators we have ever seen,” said DCI Richard Mackenzie about the unprecedented scope of Zou’s crimes.
Zou’s conviction came after a four-week trial at Inner London Crown Court for attacks occurring between 2019 and 2023. Remarkably, despite filming nine of his rapes as “souvenirs,” only two victims had been identified by the time of trial, with a third coming forward later. The investigation remains active, with at least 24 additional women having reported similar experiences since Zou’s conviction, highlighting both the extent of his predatory behavior and the challenge authorities face in identifying all potential victims.
Justice Served But Trauma Continues
While Zou will serve a minimum of 22 years and 227 days (accounting for time already spent on remand) before being eligible for parole, the impact on his victims continues. Survivor testimony revealed severe emotional and physical trauma, with one victim expressing a complete loss of faith in people’s inherent goodness. The Metropolitan police have established a dedicated team to support additional victims who may come forward, promising empathy and respect in handling their cases.
“Thanks to the remarkable efforts of our officers and prosecutors, a dangerous and cowardly offender will now spend the next 24 years behind bars,” said Commander Kevin Southworth, acknowledging the importance of removing this predator from society.
Prosecutor Saira Pike commended the courage of those who testified, stating: “They have been incredibly strong and brave.” Their testimony proved crucial in securing the conviction and life sentence. As the case continues to develop with more victims coming forward, it stands as a sobering reminder of how predators can exploit trust within academic and cultural communities, and the importance of international cooperation in bringing such offenders to justice.
