A former PhD student from China, Zhenhao Zou, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 24 years, following a landmark conviction for drugging, raping, and filming unconscious women in both the UK and China.

The 28-year-old, once enrolled at University College London (UCL), carried out what police have described as one of the most prolific serial sex offences in modern British history. He targeted women by inviting them to his flat under the guise of social or academic engagement, then secretly drugged and raped them — often recording the assaults on hidden cameras.

Zou was found guilty in March of 28 charges, including 11 counts of rape, three of voyeurism, false imprisonment, drug possession with intent to commit sexual offences, and possession of extreme pornography. Three victims were identified in London, while seven more were located in China. Authorities, however, suspect the true number of victims may be more than 60.

Judge Rosina Cottage KC, delivering the sentence at Inner London Crown Court, said Zou had hidden his predatory nature behind a façade of intelligence and politeness. “You appear to the world to be a very well-to-do man. You are also a sexual predator,” she told him. “You told [the victims] that resistance was futile… You sought power over them – these women you treated callously – and used them as sex toys for your pleasure.”

Video Footages Presented in the Court were Distressing

The court was shown video footage of the assaults, which were described as “extremely distressing.” Observers, including court staff, reportedly wept during viewings. Nine of the rapes were filmed while the victims were unconscious, and police found 58 such videos on Zou’s devices.

Zou’s crimes first came to light in November 2023 when a woman reported a sexual assault to the Metropolitan Police. Although the initial case did not proceed due to lack of evidence, Zou fled to China but was later arrested upon returning to the UK in January 2024. During a raid on his south London flat, police recovered a cache of sedative drugs, designer items, and what they believe to be a “trophy box” of belongings taken from victims.

When questioned in court, Zou gave chilling insights into his motivations. “I like it because the girl appears to be still and quiet when they are having sex,” he said. Asked if he preferred women to be asleep, he responded: “Yes, that’s my favourite type. But I could not find that.”

Commander Kevin Southworth of the Metropolitan Police praised the work of the investigating officers and prosecutors. “Thanks to the remarkable efforts of our officers and prosecutors, a dangerous and cowardly offender will now spend the next 24 years behind bars. I hope the fact Zou can no longer harm others serves as a small amount of comfort to the women who have suffered immeasurably.”

Following media coverage of Zou’s conviction, over 20 women have come forward with concerns they may also have been victims. Police are working to identify other individuals seen in the recovered footage. They urged anyone with relevant information to come forward and assured potential victims they would be treated with “empathy, kindness and respect.”

Prosecutors revealed that Zou approached women on social media and dating platforms such as WeChat, presenting himself as a “charming” and well-mannered student. Despite his apparent affluence — which included high-end clothing, a Rolex watch, and luxury flat rentals — he often coerced women into paying for dinners and drinks.

Victim impact statements read aloud in court painted a grim picture of trauma. One woman, raped in Zou’s London flat in 2023, said the attack left her unable to eat or sleep, adding, “I no longer believe in the inherent goodness of people.”

Another victim, now in China, described her ordeal as permanently scarring: “What happened that night is etched into my soul forever… His face, his expression – they will never leave me. I will never forgive him.”

Zou’s Academic Journey

Zou began his academic journey in the UK at Queen’s University Belfast in 2017 before pursuing postgraduate and doctoral studies at UCL from 2019. Throughout this period, no prior complaints had been made against him. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with concerns to speak with investigators.

Saira Pike of the Crown Prosecution Service called Zou a “serial rapist and a danger to women,” adding, “His life sentence reflects his heinous acts… There is no doubt that [the victims’] evidence helped us to secure his conviction.”