A British serial rapist, Zhenhao Zou, who drugged and assaulted multiple women in both the UK and China, has been convicted after one of the most intricate investigations conducted by Metropolitan Police investigators.
Zhenhao Zou, 28 (born 20 February 1997), of Churchyard Row, Elephant and Castle, was found guilty today (Wednesday, 5 March) of 28 offences, including 11 charges of rape involving 10 distinct women.
A jury convicted Zou following a five-and-a-half-week trial at Inner London Crown Court. He is scheduled to be sentenced at the same court on Thursday, June 19.
After today’s court proceedings, detectives now assert that the extent of Zhenhao Zou’s offences may be significantly broader and are directly appealing for any unidentified victim-survivors to come forward and get specialised assistance.
Detectives have identified two victim-survivors, although eight of the women whom Zhenhao Zou was convicted of raping remain unidentified. Furthermore, investigators suspect that over 50 additional women may have been victimised and remain unidentified by law enforcement.
The inquiry
Zhenhao Zou hails from Dongguan in Guangdong Province, China, and is thought to have resided in the UK since 2017.
Prior to his arrest in January 2024, Zou had been a student at University College London (UCL) since 2019, having previously studied at Queen’s University Belfast.
Zhenhao Zou lured women through online platforms and dating applications, bringing them to his residence on the pretence of conducting research or sharing beverages. Authorities have determined that he sent invitations to ladies to return to his residence—one located in central London and another in Elephant and Castle.
Upon entry, he would provide them with a beverage containing a compound – thought to be butanediol, which metabolises into GHB within the human body.
This would result in the victim-survivors oscillating between states of consciousness. While incapacitated, he recorded himself perpetrating rape and sexual assault against them.
Zou retained possessions belonging to victim-survivors, including jewels and apparel.
Following a woman’s report against Zhenhao Zou, law enforcement conducted a search of his residence, uncovering the substances butanediol and ketamine, along with several concealed cameras. They also confiscated several laptops and mobile phones, which subsequently revealed the full extent of Zou’s misconduct.
Officers extracted data from digital devices totalling six and a half trillion bytes, encompassing around nine million WeChat messages.
Met investigators dedicated months to scrutinising messages to comprehend Zhenhao Zou’s criminal behaviour, meticulously translating them from Simplified Chinese to English.
They also saw numerous recordings on his gadgets, which seem to depict Zhenhao Zou recording himself raping and sexually assaulting women. Following the examination of this vivid and unsettling information, it became evident that he had perpetrated offences not just in London but also in his native country of China.
During the trial, officers received assistance from the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, which facilitated one of the courageous victim-survivors in providing testimony against Zou.
The investigation has received assistance from the Crown Prosecution Service, National Crime Agency, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The entreaty
To safeguard the integrity of existing judicial procedures following Zhenhao Zou’s first charges, detectives had been unable to publicly solicit further prospective victim-survivors until now.
The Metropolitan Police is currently urging those who believe they may have been victims to come forward and communicate with law enforcement.
Specialist officers collaborate intimately with victim-survivors to pursue justice and provide support while directing them to other partners for assistance.
Authorities remain receptive to the names of unidentified victim-survivors, but are especially interested in hearing from ladies from the Chinese student population who may have encountered Zou while residing in or near London between 2019 and 2024. They wish to communicate with prospective victim-survivors who may have encountered Zou during his residence in China.
Women may have encountered Zou through online channels, including student forums on Chinese social media applications like WeChat or Little Red Book, or may have communicated with him via dating applications such as Bumble.
Victim-survivors may have frequented Zou at his residence in Woburn Place, central London, or at his location on Churchyard Row in Elephant and Castle, London. Others may have encountered Zou during his residence in China.
Given the nature of Zou’s offences, investigators suspect that some women may be unaware that they have been victim-survivors, and they do not underestimate the anguish and difficulty associated with reading or hearing about his crimes following this verdict. They are assuring potential victim-survivors that all reports will be thoroughly examined and addressed with the highest degree of sensitivity, care, and compassion.
Officers recognise that not all victim-survivors may desire to engage with law enforcement for assistance. Consequently, the non profit Rape Crisis is providing assistance for women to obtain advice and counsel from consultants who are independent of law enforcement.
Detectives are eager to interview any witnesses who may possess pertinent information, especially those who encountered Zou at gatherings or communicated with him over social media and harbour any worries.
Commander Kevin Southworth, head of public protection at the Metropolitan Police, stated: “Zhenhao Zou is a perilous and habitual sexual predator who exploited and drugged women to prey on them in an exceedingly cowardly manner.”
I like to recognise the two women who courageously testified against Zou in court; their fortitude and tenacity have been steadfast.
“We are resolute in our commitment to assist all victim-survivors and are now urging women who may have concerns regarding Zou to come forward.” I like to inform all affected individuals that they are not alone and can seek specialised support and guidance, not just from law enforcement but also from independent charities and agencies.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the investigation team for their professionalism, compassion, and determination in the pursuit of justice.”
The Met acknowledges the repercussions this tragic tragedy will have on London residents, especially Chinese students residing in or near Southwark and Lambeth. Officers persist in collaborating with partners to guarantee that individuals with issues can obtain guidance and specialised assistance from local police units.
Methods for contacting law enforcement and independent help organisations:
Reports concerning Zhenhao Zou may be sent online using the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP): https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X38-PO1. The MIPP is accessible in Simplified Chinese (https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X38-PO2), ensuring maximum accessibility for prospective victims and survivors.
To communicate with Met investigators or file a report concerning Zou, you may also reach the police by email at survivors@met.police.uk
To report to the police, dial 101 within the UK and mention 2904/04FEB25.
If you reside in England or Wales and have been impacted by this case, and wish to obtain assistance from specialised organisations, please reach out to the independent charity Rape Crisis through their 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line or by calling 0808 500 2222. Trained personnel are available to listen, respond to enquiries, and provide emotional support.
Addressing Violence Against Women and Girls
- In 2023, the Metropolitan Police initiated its Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan, collaborating with women and girls throughout London to develop a novel strategy for their safety.
- The Met has revolutionised its approach to investigating rape and serious sexual offences. Through Operation Soteria, the Metropolitan Police is enhancing its focus on prioritising victim-survivors in its response to these offences.
- In its commitment to addressing violence against women and girls, predominantly perpetrated by predatory men, officers are intensifying their emphasis on suspects and providing help to victims in collaboration with specialised partners.
- Since 2021, the Metropolitan Police has more than doubled its rate of charging individuals for rape.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.