Chinese PhD Student Convicted of Drugging and Raping Women in London and China
Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese PhD student, has been found guilty in London of drugging and raping 10 women. The attacks occurred between 2019 and 2023, with police indicating there may be over 50 additional victims. Zou filmed many of his assaults and is awaiting sentencing. The case has raised concerns about victim support and interpretation services.
A London court found Chinese PhD student Zhenhao Zou guilty of drugging and raping 10 women across England and China, specifically during 2019 to 2023. Following a month-long trial, the conviction includes 11 rape counts, with jurors noting the possibility of over 50 additional victims. Zou used hidden cameras to film nine attacks and maintained trophies from the victims.
Zou, a 28-year-old mechanical engineering student at University College London, attempted to defend his actions as consensual. He has been categorized as a dangerous sexual offender by Judge Rosina Cottage, who emphasized the severe nature of his crimes, forecasting a “very long” sentence for Zou.
Jurors viewed disturbing footage of the assaults, requiring frequent breaks. Alongside the rape convictions, Zou was found guilty of voyeurism, possession of extreme pornography, false imprisonment, and drug possession aimed at committing sexual offenses, specifically butanediol. Zou was acquitted of two additional extreme pornography charges.
Zou engaged with potential victims on WeChat and dating apps, luring them to his residences where he drugged them. Metropolitan Police Commander Kevin Southworth called attention to the serious nature of the crimes and commended the courage of the women who testified against Zou. He further urged any other potential victims to come forward.
The court proceedings raised concerns about the adequacy of interpreter services provided to the victims. Zou relocated to the UK from Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 2017 for his studies, having previously begun college in China. University College London acknowledged the bravery of the survivors while expressing condolences for their suffering.
Zhenhao Zou’s conviction highlights significant failures in safeguarding victims and the critical need for improved support systems in sexual assault cases. With the potential for many more victims, law enforcement urges anyone affected to seek help. This case underlines the importance of survivor-friendly practices during legal proceedings. The ramifications of Zou’s actions are profound, affecting countless lives, and justice will be pursued with a harsh sentence expected.
Original Source: apnews.com
