Chinese Student Convicted in UK Court of Drugging and Raping Multiple Victims
Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese PhD student, was found guilty in London of drugging and raping 10 women. Convicted of 11 counts of rape over a four-year period, police believe there may be over 50 other victims. He recorded some attacks and claimed the encounters were consensual. Sentencing is set for June 19.
A London jury has convicted a Chinese PhD student, Zhenhao Zou, 28, of drugging and raping 10 women in a series of incidents occurring between 2019 and 2023. The Inner London Crown Court trial revealed that Zou was found guilty of 11 counts of rape, with two offenses pertaining to a single victim. Jurors concluded that the rapes took place both in London and in China, leading authorities to suspect that more than 50 women may be additional victims of Zou’s crimes.
Zou filmed nine of his assaults using hidden or handheld cameras, keeping these recordings as “souvenirs” and possessing a trophy box containing women’s belongings. He maintained that the sexual encounters were consensual. He is scheduled to face sentencing on June 19. The presiding judge, Rosina Cottage, characterized him as a “dangerous and predatory sexual offender” and indicated a long sentence is forthcoming.
In addition to the rape convictions, Zou was also found guilty of three counts of voyeurism, 10 counts of possession of extreme pornographic material, one count of false imprisonment, and three counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of committing a sexual offense. Zou had an online alias, Pakho, through which he targeted students of Chinese descent via WeChat and dating applications, luring them to drink and subsequently drugging them.
Metropolitan Police Commander Kevin Southworth expressed his gratitude towards the two women who bravely testified against Zou, identifying him as particularly deceptive and cowardly. He noted that evidence suggests Zou may have attacked numerous additional women under similar circumstances, appealing for any further victims to come forward. The trial raised concerns regarding the interpretation services provided to the victims, acknowledging shortcomings that may have impacted their testimonies.
Zou relocated to Northern Ireland in 2017 to pursue mechanical engineering before transferring to University College London in 2019 for further studies. The president of UCL, Dr. Michael Spence, extended sympathies to the survivors, commending the courage of those who reported the offenses and participated in the trial.
Zhenhao Zou’s conviction marks a significant development in the pursuit of justice for victims of sexual violence, highlighting the potential extent of his crimes. With the possibility of over 50 additional victims, it emphasizes the need for vigilance and support for survivors. This case reflects the responsibilities of educational institutions and law enforcement to ensure adequate support for victims in reporting such crimes.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
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