A serial rapist—who drugged and raped multiple women in both the UK and China—was convicted by a jury on March 5, 2025, following one of the most complex investigations ever conducted by London’s Metropolitan Police. On June 19, he was sentenced by a judge to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 24 years. (Composite image from the Metropolitan Police)
[People News] On Thursday, June 19, Chinese student Zhenhao Zou (phonetic), who was pursuing a PhD at University College London (UCL), was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 24 years for raping 10 women.
According to Voice of America, the UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated: “28-year-old Zhenhao Zou was found guilty of 28 offenses, including 11 counts of rape, 3 counts of voyeurism, 10 counts of possessing extreme pornographic images, 1 count of false imprisonment, and 3 counts of possession of drugs with intent to commit sexual offenses.”
In March this year, a jury at the Inner London Crown Court found Zou guilty. On Thursday, the judge handed down the sentence.
Zou, a Chinese citizen, came to the UK in 2017 to study in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He studied at UCL from 2019 to 2021, earning a master’s degree, and began his PhD studies there in 2021.
Judge Rosina Cottage, in her sentencing remarks, noted that Zou had no prior convictions.
She said to Zou, “You are an intelligent young man. To the outside world, you appeared to be wealthy, ambitious, and charming. In reality, that charming facade concealed the fact that you are a sexual predator.”
During the trial, Zou claimed that the sexual encounters were consensual.
However, in a statement released Thursday, the CPS said: “During the four-week trial, the prosecution presented evidence that Zou was a serial rapist who used a drug known as 1,4-butanediol to incapacitate his victims before raping them.”
Prosecutors stated that Zou used social media platforms and dating apps to target women and arrange meetings with them, many of whom were fellow students in London.
The jury heard that Zou secretly filmed his assaults using mobile devices and hidden cameras. Evidence recovered from SD cards found at his residence showed that he raped unconscious women in both London and China.
Saira Pike, from the CPS, said in a statement: “Zou is a serial rapist and a threat to women. His life sentence reflects the appalling nature of his crimes against women and the danger he poses to society.”
Authorities indicated there may be more victims. Pike praised the courage of those who came forward to report Zou and urged any other victims to contact authorities. “The investigation is not over,” she said. “We continue to urge anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Zou to come forward and speak with our team—we will treat you with compassion, kindness, and respect.”
Pike added: “Following public appeals, we will continue to review and consider any further allegations to ensure he is held accountable and justice is served for all victims.” △
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