Chinese PhD Student Convicted of Drugging and Raping Ten Women in UK

Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese PhD student, has been found guilty by a London jury of drugging and raping ten women from 2019 to 2023. The jury deliberated for over 19 hours, leading to convictions for 11 counts of rape. Conceivably, over 50 additional victims may exist, making him one of the worst sex offenders in U.K. history. Zou will be sentenced on June 19.

A London jury has convicted Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese PhD student, for drugging and raping ten women in England and China, marking a significant legal outcome in a case that raised alarm regarding potentially more victims. Zou, who was studying mechanical engineering at University College London, faced 11 counts of rape for attacks committed between 2019 and 2023. Evidence revealed that jurors deliberated for over 19 hours before finding him guilty of abusing three women in London and seven in China.

The police have identified only two victims thus far but warned that more than 50 additional women might have been victimized, positioning Zou as one of the most notorious sex offenders in U.K. history. The attacks were meticulously documented by Zou, who recorded nine of them and kept personal items from his victims as trophies. His claims of consensual sexual interactions were dismissed by the jury.

Despite the gravity of the charges, Zou exhibited no emotional response when the verdict was delivered. The court heard testimonies synthesizing a series of coercive acts where he incapacitated his victims, rendering them unable to resist. Judge Rosina Cottage labeled him a “dangerous and predatory sexual offender,” emphasizing the importance of a substantial sentence, which is scheduled for June 19.

Zou faced additional convictions for voyeurism, possession of extreme pornographic images, false imprisonment, and drug possession with intent to commit sexual offenses. Throughout the trial, concerns emerged about the quality of translation services provided to the victims, prompting statements of regret from police officials. Zou had previously relocated to Northern Ireland in pursuit of his engineering studies before completing his postgraduate education at UCL.

In light of these events, the Metropolitan Police urged any additional victims or individuals who believe they may have been targeted by Zou to reach out, submitting details that could assist in further investigations. UCL’s president, Dr. Michael Spence, expressed solidarity with the survivors, commending their courage in bringing forth their testimonies against such heinous acts.

Zhenhao Zou’s conviction serves as a significant reminder of the pervasive nature of sexual violence and the importance of supporting victims in their pursuit of justice. With warnings of additional victims likely, the case highlights the need for thorough investigations and an unwavering commitment to ensure the safety and protection of individuals within educational environments.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com