Chinese Student Convicted of Drugging, Raping Women

Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese PhD student at University College London, was convicted by the Inner London Crown Court of drugging and raping 10 women, with suspicions he attacked up to 50 more. Zou, described as charming but predatory, used dating apps to lure victims, filming the assaults and keeping women's belongings as 'souvenirs'. Most victims were unconscious during the attacks, which occurred both in London and during his visits to China. Evidence included videos found on Zou's devices, leading to charges of rape, voyeurism, and possession of controlled substances like butanediol used in the assaults. The conviction has prompted British and Chinese authorities to appeal for any additional victims to come forward. Zou's conviction highlights the complexity of transnational crime investigations and the challenges in identifying victims, many of whom remain unaware of the assaults due to being drugged.