A Chinese PhD student has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years for drugging and raping 10 women in London and China.
Zhenhao Zou, 28, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court today after being convicted of 11 counts of rape against the victims, along with voyeurism, possession of extreme pornographic images, false imprisonment and drug offences.
Judge Rosina Cottage told the court that Zou "planned and executed a campaign of rape", treating women "callously" and as "sex toys" for his own pleasure.
The mechanical engineering student attacked women between 2019 and 2023, filming nine of the sexual assaults as "souvenirs" and keeping a trophy box of women's belongings.
The arrest of Zhenhao Zou by Met Police officers
PA
Police believe Zou could be "one of the most prolific sexual predators" in the UK, with detectives fearing he may have targeted dozens more women.
The court heard he was convicted of three rapes in London and seven in China, along with three counts of voyeurism, 10 of possession of extreme pornographic images, one of false imprisonment and three of possession of controlled drugs with intent to commit a sexual offence.
Detective Inspector Richard Mackenzie said outside court: "The sheer scale of his offending, which spanned two countries, makes him one of the most prolific predators we have ever seen."
Scotland Yard revealed that 24 women came forward following media coverage of Zou's trial, believing they may have been attacked by him.
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A mugshot of Zhenhao Zou
METROPOLITAN POLICE
Zou's victims described devastating impacts in court statements, with one woman saying: "I have lost faith in human beings, I have no trust in others. Before this incident, I was not aware that a human could do such evil things."
Another victim wrote: "What happened that night is etched into my soul forever. His face, his expression they will never leave me. I will never forgive him."
The court heard Zou comes from a wealthy family and could afford a Rolex watch, designer clothes, cosmetic procedures and a £4,000-per-month flat in London.
He targeted fellow Chinese students through WeChat and dating apps, inviting them for drinks before drugging them at his flats.
A screengrab from the body worn camera footage of the arrest of Zhenhao Zou
CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE VIA PA
Judge Cottage described him as using a "charming mask" to hide that he is a "sexual predator" with "no understanding of the meaning of consent".
Zou's crimes came to light in November 2023 when a woman reported being attacked by him, though insufficient evidence prevented initial charges.
When police seized his phone, they discovered disturbing videos of him raping unconscious women. Officers found pipettes and sedating drugs including butanediol, ketamine, MDMA and Xanax at his flat.
A yellow Fendi box in his wardrobe contained jewellery, clothing, lipstick and hair bands believed to be taken from victims.
Commander Kevin Southworth said: "I hope the fact Zou can no longer harm others serves as a small amount of comfort to the women who have suffered immeasurably."
Police said their investigation remains open, urging potential victims to come forward.
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