Chinese PhD Student Convicted of Drugging and Raping Ten Women
Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese PhD student, was found guilty in London court of drugging and raping ten women from 2019 to 2023. With police suggesting as many as fifty additional victims, the case raises important discussions about sexual violence and victim support.
A Chinese PhD student was convicted in a London court of drugging and raping ten women, both in the UK and China, following a month-long trial. Zhenhao Zou, 28, faced charges spanning between 2019 and 2023, resulting in 11 counts of rape, with two offenses involving a single victim. The jury concluded after extensive deliberation that three of the assaults occurred in London while seven took place in China.
Police have only succeeded in identifying two victims, indicating the potential existence of over fifty additional victims, which could classify Zou as one of the gravest sex offenders in British history. Zou recorded nine of the assaults with hidden cameras, maintaining a trophy box containing items belonging to his victims.
Zou, who pursued his PhD in mechanical engineering at University College London, asserted that the sexual encounters were consensual. Sentencing is set for June 19. The presiding judge, Rosina Cottage, characterized Zou as a “dangerous and predatory sexual offender” and signaled that his sentence would be substantial.
Showing no visible reaction during the verdict, Zou was also convicted of voyeurism, possession of extreme pornography, false imprisonment, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to commit a sexual crime. However, he was acquitted of certain charges relating to drug possession.
Under the alias Pakho, Zou preyed on fellow students of Chinese ethnicity, luring them through WeChat and dating applications, subsequently drugging them in various locations. Metropolitan Police Commander Kevin Southworth highlighted Zou’s strategy of incapacitating victims to prevent resistance and emphasized gratitude to the two women who bravely testified against him.
The police encourage anyone suspecting harm from Zou to come forward. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the effectiveness of interpreting services during the trial. Zou relocated from Belfast to pursue his studies, initially enrolling at Queen’s University and continuing at UCL. UCL President Dr. Michael Spence expressed sympathy for the survivors and commended the courage of those who reported the offenses and participated in the trial.
The conviction of Zhenhao Zou underscores the serious issue of sexual violence and the potential for numerous unreported cases. With identified victims numbering only two, the police’s suggestion of over fifty additional victims reveals significant concern over Zou’s predatory behavior. This case highlights the importance of support for survivors and proper resources during legal proceedings.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
