A Chinese PhD student has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the United Kingdom for a series of sexual assaults involving drugging, raping, and filming at least 10 women. The sentencing, which took place on 19 June 2025 at Inner London Crown Court, has drawn significant attention due to the severity and scale of the crimes.
Zou Zhenhao, 28, was ordered to serve a minimum of 24 years in prison, minus time already spent in custody. He was convicted in March of 28 offences, including 11 counts of rape. The court heard that Zou used online platforms, including dating apps and WeChat, to lure women to his home under the pretence of studying or socialising.
Once there, Zou would secretly drug them with sedatives before sexually assaulting them while they were unconscious. He recorded the attacks using hidden cameras and retained victims’ clothing and jewellery as so-called trophies.
Judge Rosina Cottage KC described Zou as “a highly manipulative and intelligent young man who gave no thought at all of the wishes and feelings of the women he attacked.” She added that he posed a continuing risk to women and that a long sentence was necessary for public protection.
Zou, originally from Dongguan in Guangdong Province, moved to the UK in 2017 and began his doctoral studies at University College London (UCL) in 2019. His academic background and calm outward appearance stood in stark contrast to the crimes he committed over several years.
The investigation began after one woman came forward in late 2023. A subsequent police search of Zou’s flat uncovered sedatives such as butanediol, along with hidden cameras and a large collection of digital footage. Authorities found over 1,600 hours of video and millions of messages implicating him in assaults in both Britain and China.
Detective Inspector Richard MacKenzie of the Metropolitan Police said, “The sheer scale of his offending, which spanned two countries, makes him one of the most prolific predators we have ever seen.” He noted that Zou’s actions displayed a clear pattern of premeditation and control.
Victim statements read during sentencing detailed the lasting emotional and psychological trauma experienced by the women. One victim said, “What happened that night is etched into my soul forever.” Others reported experiencing depression, anxiety and an enduring sense of violation.
The Crown Prosecution Service noted that digital forensic work was key to building the case. Analysts had to review hundreds of gigabytes of material to identify victims and understand the full extent of Zou’s crimes. Prosecutors believe Zou may have drugged and assaulted more than 50 women in total, though many have not yet been identified.
UCL confirmed that Zou had been suspended from his PhD programme following his arrest in early 2024. The university has since reviewed its protocols around student conduct and safeguarding, particularly for international students.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to identify additional victims and have issued appeals both in the UK and China. Commander Kevin Southworth of the Metropolitan Police said the victims would be treated with “empathy, kindness and respect,” urging anyone with information to come forward.
The case has renewed calls for stronger safeguards on digital platforms and dating apps, as well as greater awareness of drug-facilitated sexual assault.
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