London, June 20, 2025 — A Chinese national studying for a PhD in London has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of a series of horrific sexual assaults described by police as among the worst they have ever encountered.
Zhenhao Zou, 31, was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 24 years at Inner London Crown Court on Friday for drugging and raping 10 women — three in the UK and seven in China — between 2019 and 2023.
Dubbed by Metropolitan Police as “one of the most prolific predators” in recent UK history, Zou orchestrated what the presiding judge called a “planned and executed campaign of rape”, using his intellect and social charm as a facade to conceal a deeply disturbing obsession with control and sexual violence.
The sentencing follows a complex investigation that uncovered a chilling pattern of predatory behaviour spanning continents. Zou, who lived in a flat in Elephant and Castle, south-east London, was convicted of 11 counts of rape — with two relating to the same victim — in addition to charges of voyeurism, possession of extreme pornography, false imprisonment, and drug-related offences linked to his crimes.
“You Are a Sexual Predator”
In a powerful sentencing statement, Judge Rosina Cottage KC described Zou as a “very bright young man” who wore a “charming mask” while hiding a dark, manipulative nature.
“You appear to the world to be a very well-to-do man. You are also a sexual predator,” she told the defendant. “You told [the victims] that resistance was futile. Sometimes you would be begged to stop. You sought power over them — these women you treated callously — and used them as sex toys for your pleasure.”
The judge detailed how Zou had drugged the women to unconsciousness, then raped them while filming the assaults. He also kept a “trophy box” containing items belonging to his victims, suggesting a disturbing ritualistic element to his crimes.
Some of the assaults were so graphic that members of the courtroom, including jurors and court staff, were left visibly distressed by the evidence shown during the trial. “Some who watched wept,” Judge Cottage noted.
Met Police Appeal for More Victims
Only three of the 10 known victims have been identified so far. Following Zou’s conviction, a further 24 women have come forward with allegations. Metropolitan Police believe the true number of victims could be significantly higher and have issued an urgent appeal for anyone who may have been targeted by Zou to contact authorities.
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Smith, who led the investigation, said: “Zhenhao Zou is one of the most dangerous offenders we’ve encountered. He deliberately targeted vulnerable women, drugged them, raped them, and filmed the abuse for his own gratification. He operated without remorse, viewing his victims as nothing more than objects.”
“While we have secured justice for a few, we fear many more may still be suffering in silence,” she added.
The police revealed that Zou had operated under a carefully curated online persona, often presenting himself as a wealthy and cultured individual. He used dating apps, social events, and academic circles to meet his victims. Once he had gained their trust, he would ply them with spiked drinks before carrying out the assaults.
An Elaborate Game of Power and Control
Prosecutors painted a grim picture of a man who derived pleasure not only from sex, but from domination. They argued that Zou’s actions were not impulsive but part of a deliberate and calculated plan to abuse women in the most degrading ways possible.
“He had a sexual interest in asserting power and control over women,” the court heard. “To him, the victims were pieces in an elaborate game.”
The prosecution further revealed that Zou’s flat contained a disturbing array of evidence, including drugs used to incapacitate his victims, video footage of multiple assaults, and personal belongings stolen from the women as keepsakes.
International Scope
Seven of Zou’s victims were based in China, with several of the assaults allegedly taking place during visits he made back to his home country.
Chinese authorities were contacted during the UK investigation, and liaison is ongoing between British and Chinese law enforcement to explore the possibility of further prosecutions or cooperative victim support.
The international scope of Zou’s crimes has raised serious concerns about student oversight and background checks. Zou had come to the UK as a high-performing postgraduate student and was enrolled in a doctoral programme at a prestigious London university at the time of his arrest.
Officials from the university, which cannot be named for legal reasons, issued a brief statement following sentencing: “We are appalled by the crimes committed by Mr. Zou. The university has cooperated fully with the police and will continue to support any students affected by this case. Measures to safeguard our community are constantly under review.”
Long-Term Impact on Victims
Victim impact statements read in court detailed the psychological and emotional devastation caused by Zou’s crimes. One survivor said she had lost trust in people and suffered from ongoing trauma, while another described feeling “hollowed out” by the experience.
Judge Cottage acknowledged their pain, stating: “These crimes have had devastating and long-term effects on the women involved. Their courage in coming forward cannot be overstated.”
Justice and Warnings
Legal experts say the life sentence handed down reflects the extreme gravity of the crimes. While Zou will be eligible to apply for parole after 24 years, he may never be released if he is deemed a continuing threat to society.
“This case is a stark reminder of the danger posed by individuals who hide behind charm and intellect,” said Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson Annabel Hudson. “The courage of the victims and the dedication of the investigators have ensured that this dangerous man is off the streets.”
Zou, who appeared emotionless as the sentence was delivered, will serve his time in a high-security prison.
Police Contact Information
Scotland Yard is urging anyone who may have encountered Zou or who believes they may have been a victim to come forward. Officers can be contacted in confidence through the Metropolitan Police’s dedicated helpline.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
