Chinese PhD Student Convicted of Drugging and Raping Multiple Women in UK
Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese PhD student, was found guilty by a London jury of drugging and raping 10 women, with police suggesting he may have targeted over 50 others. He filmed many of his assaults and had a history of using online platforms to lure victims. He awaits sentencing on June 19, 2023.
A London jury has convicted Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old Chinese PhD student, of drugging and raping 10 women across England and China from 2019 to 2023. The guilty verdict was reached after a month-long trial at the Inner London Crown Court, where Zou was charged with 11 counts of rape, including multiple offenses against a single victim. The court’s deliberations lasted over 19 hours, resulting in the conclusion that he raped three victims in London and seven in China.
Authorities report that Zou’s actions could indicate there are as many as 50 additional victims. Throughout the trial, it was revealed that Zou recorded nine of his attacks using hidden cameras, keeping a “trophy box” of stolen belongings from his victims. Zou, a mechanical engineering PhD student at University College London, claimed the sexual interactions were consensual. He faces sentencing on June 19.
Judge Rosina Cottage characterized Zou as a “dangerous and predatory sexual offender,” stating that he faces a lengthy prison term. In addition to the rape convictions, Zou was found guilty of three counts of voyeurism, addiction-related offenses, and possession of extreme pornographic images. However, he was acquitted of two additional charges.
Using the alias Pakho, Zou befriended Chinese students through WeChat and dating apps, enticing them to his residences under false pretenses before drugging them. Metropolitan Police Commander Kevin Southworth emphasized the severity of Zou’s offenses and encouraged additional victims to come forward.
The trial highlighted challenges faced by victims, including concerns about language translation during police questioning. After starting his studies at Queen’s University in Belfast in 2017, Zou transferred to UCL in 2019. Dr. Michael Spence, president of UCL, expressed solidarity with the survivors, commending their courage to testify during the trial.
Zhenhao Zou, a PhD student, has been convicted in a London court on multiple counts of drugging and raping women in England and China. The potential for over 50 additional victims reiterates the scope of his offenses, placing him among the most significant sexual offenders in UK history. The case underscores the importance of supporting victims and the challenges they face in seeking justice.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
