Chinese PhD Student Convicted of Drugging and Raping Ten Women in the U.K.
Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old Chinese PhD student, was found guilty of drugging and raping ten women in England and China. The jury deliberated for over 19 hours, concluding he was responsible for significant sexual offenses that may involve over 50 victims. Zou filmed his attacks and has been described as a dangerous predator, with sentencing set for June 19.
A London jury has found Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old Chinese PhD student, guilty of drugging and raping ten women in England and China between 2019 and 2023. The jury deliberated for over 19 hours before convicting him on 11 counts of rape. Zhenhao Zou engaged in these heinous acts, with three of the victims in London and seven in China, leading police to warn that the number of his victims might exceed 50, potentially placing him among the UK’s most dangerous sexual offenders.
Zou filmed nine of the rapes using hidden cameras, keeping a collection of the women’s belongings as trophies. Although Zou claimed that his sexual encounters were consensual, he was also found guilty of additional offenses, including voyeurism, possession of extreme pornographic images, and false imprisonment. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 19, with Judge Rosina Cottage indicating that his punishment will be significant.
The investigation revealed that Zou, who also used the alias Pakho online, targeted Chinese female students by befriending them on WeChat and dating apps before inviting them for drinks, where he would drug them. Metropolitan Police Commander Kevin Southworth noted that the victims were often incapacitated to a degree that rendered them unable to resist or recall the assault. He praised the bravery of the women who testified against Zou, highlighting the ongoing concern that there may be numerous other victims.
Many questions arose during the trial regarding the quality of the interpretation services provided to the victims, a situation that Southworth expressed regret over. Zou, prior to his study at University College London (UCL), attended Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. UCL’s president, Dr. Michael Spence, expressed solidarity with the survivors and commended their courage in reporting the crimes and providing evidence during the trial.
Zhenhao Zou’s conviction underscores the grave concerns surrounding sexual offenses, particularly those that exploit vulnerable individuals. The case not only highlights the dangers posed by such predatory behavior but also raises significant questions regarding victim support during legal proceedings. With more than 50 potential victims yet to be identified, this situation calls for heightened awareness and resources to address such heinous crimes effectively.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
