A Chinese student who drugged and raped multiple women in both the United Kingdom and China has been convicted in what the Metropolitan Police described as one of their most complex investigations.
Zhenhao Zou, 28, was found guilty of 28 offences, including 11 counts of rape involving 10 women. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, March 5, after a five-and-a-half-week trial at Inner London Crown Court. Zou is expected to be sentenced on June 19.
Crimes Spanning Two Countries
Detectives believe Zou’s crimes extend far beyond the identified victims, with suspicions that he may have targeted at least 50 more women. Police are now calling on additional survivors to come forward and seek support.
Originally from Dongguan in China’s Guangdong Province, Zou has been in the UK since 2017. He first studied at Queen’s University Belfast before enrolling at University College London (UCL) in 2019. Police investigations revealed that Zou used online platforms, including dating apps, to lure women to his residences in central London and Elephant and Castle.
Once inside, Zou drugged his victims using butanediol, a substance that converts into GHB, a powerful sedative. The victims were left unconscious, during which Zou filmed himself raping and sexually assaulting them. Investigators also discovered that he kept victims’ personal belongings, such as jewellery and clothing, as trophies.
How Police Caught Zou
The case against Zou began when a victim reported him to the police, prompting a raid on his residence. During the search, police recovered butanediol, ketamine, hidden cameras, and a vast amount of digital evidence, including laptops and mobile phones.
Investigators found approximately six and a half trillion bytes of data, which included nine million WeChat messages and hundreds of videos documenting Zou’s crimes. Further analysis of these materials confirmed that his offences were not limited to the UK but also took place in China.
With the support of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, British authorities facilitated testimony from a survivor in China. The investigation also involved the Crown Prosecution Service, the National Crime Agency, and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.
Police Appeal for More Victims to Come Forward
Following Zou’s conviction, the Metropolitan Police are urging anyone who may have encountered him to step forward. Authorities believe that many victims may not even be aware that they were assaulted due to the effects of the drugs he administered.
Specialist officers are offering confidential support and guidance, particularly to Chinese students in London between 2019 and 2024 who may have been targeted. Investigators are also searching for potential victims from Zou’s time in China.
Women who interacted with him via WeChat, Little Red Book, Bumble, or other online platforms and visited his residences at Woburn Place or Churchyard Row are encouraged to come forward. Even those who only met him at social events or spoke with him online and now have concerns are urged to contact authorities.
Support for Victims
Understanding the sensitivity of the case, authorities are working closely with community groups to provide victims with access to specialist services. Independent organisations such as Rape Crisis are also offering support to those who may not wish to engage directly with the police.
Detectives acknowledge that many of Zou’s victims may be struggling to come to terms with what happened, particularly as some may have no memory of the assault. Police stress that help is available, whether victims choose to take legal action or not.
Police Statement
Commander Kevin Southworth, head of public protection at the Metropolitan Police, described Zou as a “dangerous and prolific sexual predator” who used manipulation and drugs to carry out his crimes.
“I commend the bravery of the two women who gave evidence in court—their courage has been remarkable,” Southworth said. “We urge anyone who has concerns about Zou to come forward. Support is available from the police as well as independent organisations.”
Recognising the impact of the case, especially among Chinese students in London, authorities are working to ensure that affected individuals can access specialist advice and protection.
A Wider Problem
Zou’s case highlights the growing concern of sexual predators using dating apps and social media to target victims. In recent years, law enforcement agencies in the UK and beyond have seen an increase in cases where perpetrators use sedatives such as GHB to incapacitate their victims before committing sexual offences.
The drug, commonly known as a “date rape” substance, is particularly dangerous because it is colourless and tasteless when mixed with drinks, making it difficult for victims to detect. In many cases, survivors wake up with no recollection of what happened, making it challenging to report the crime or provide evidence.
Authorities have urged people, especially women using dating apps, to remain vigilant and take precautions when meeting individuals for the first time. Some safety tips include meeting in public places, informing friends or family about plans, and avoiding drinks from unknown sources.
