PhD Student Convicted of Drugging, Raping 10 Women

• PhD student Zhenhao Zou convicted of drugging and raping 10 women, with police fearing up to 50 more victims.
• Zou filmed nine assaults, kept victims’ belongings as trophies, and used hidden cameras in his London flats.
• Judge warns Zou faces a “very long” prison sentence, with sentencing set for June 19.

A PhD student at University College London (UCL) has been convicted of drugging and raping 10 women, with police warning he could be “one of the most prolific sexual predators” in the country’s history.

Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old Chinese national, was found guilty at Inner London Crown Court of multiple counts of rape, voyeurism, false imprisonment, and possession of extreme pornographic images. He filmed nine of the assaults as “souvenirs” and kept a trophy box containing victims’ belongings, including clothing and jewelry.

Judge Rosina Cottage described Zou as a “dangerous and predatory” offender and stated he faces a “very long” prison sentence when sentenced on June 19.

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The Metropolitan Police believe there may be up to 50 additional victims, many of whom may not even realize they were attacked. Cdr Kevin Southworth confirmed that one woman had already come forward after seeing media reports.

“Such is the insidious nature of these offences that many more victim-survivors may not even know he raped them,” Southworth said.

Zou’s crimes spanned from 2019 to 2024, with seven rapes taking place in China during the COVID-19 pandemic and four occurring in London. While two victims in the UK were identified and testified, another woman—whom Zou raped twice—has yet to be found.

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Police discovered hidden cameras in Zou’s London residences in Bloomsbury and Elephant and Castle, as well as ecstasy and an industrial chemical that converts into the “date-rape” drug GHB. Some attacks took place at undisclosed locations in China.

Jurors were shown disturbing footage of nine rapes during the trial, with many appearing visibly distressed and requiring breaks due to the nature of the material.

During the trial, Zou claimed one of the women consented to “rape role-play” and that the videos were made with her knowledge. The jury dismissed this defence, finding him guilty on all charges.

Zou, who comes from a wealthy background, reportedly spent £4,000 per month on rent and owned luxury items, including a Rolex watch and designer clothing. He had also undergone cosmetic procedures, including a hair transplant and facial surgery.

He first moved to the UK in 2017 to study at Queen’s University Belfast before relocating to London in 2019 for a master’s degree and later a PhD at UCL.

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