UK Court Convicts Chinese PhD Student in Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault Case

A Chinese PhD student at University College London (UCL) has been found guilty of drugging and raping at least 10 women, with police fearing the actual number of victims could be significantly higher. Zhenhao Zou, 28, targeted women, primarily of Chinese descent, through dating apps and social media before luring them to his residence, where he used a variety of drugs to render them unconscious before assaulting them.

Shocking Evidence Uncovered in the Investigation

The case against Zou is one of the most disturbing sexual offense investigations in recent UK history. The Metropolitan Police discovered 1,270 video files, amounting to 1,660 hours of footage, showing Zou assaulting his victims. At least 58 videos depicted rapes, while others captured voyeuristic acts and extreme pornography.

Authorities found that Zou used a combination of MDMA, ketamine, butanediol (which converts to GHB), and alprazolam (Xanax) to incapacitate his victims. Some of the drugs were recovered from his London residence, along with hidden cameras and trophies from his victims.

How Zou Operated

Zou used dating platforms like WeChat to approach his victims, often inviting them to his home under the guise of socializing or studying. Once they arrived, he would drug their drinks, wait for them to lose consciousness, and then film the assaults.

Most of Zou’s victims did not remember the attacks due to the drugs’ amnesic effects, leaving them unaware of the crime until authorities found the videos. This has raised concerns that more than 50 additional victims may still be unidentified, both in the UK and China.

The Investigation and Arrest

The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation in November 2023, after a woman reported that she had been sexually assaulted by Zou in London. Zou, who had traveled to China soon after the incident, was arrested upon his return to the UK in January 2024.

During the raid of Zou’s apartment, officers recovered:

• Hidden cameras placed around his residence
• A stash of controlled drugs used to incapacitate victims
• Video evidence of multiple assaults
• Personal items from victims, which he kept as trophies

Following his arrest, Zou was charged with:

• 11 counts of rape
• Voyeurism
• False imprisonment
• Possession of extreme pornography
• Possession of controlled drugs with intent to commit sexual offenses

Legal Proceedings and Possible Life Sentence

Zou was found guilty in March 2025, and he now faces sentencing on June 19, 2025. Given the severity of his crimes, legal experts suggest he could receive a life sentence or an extended prison term.

The Metropolitan Police have urged potential victims to come forward, especially those who may not recall the assault due to the use of drugs. Authorities are also working with Chinese law enforcement to identify additional victims from Zou’s time in China.

UCL and Law Enforcement Respond

University College London (UCL) expressed shock and condemnation over Zou’s actions. In a statement, Dr. Michael Spence, President of UCL, acknowledged the distressing nature of the case and praised the bravery of the survivors who came forward.

The UK Home Office has called for a review of student visa regulations to ensure international students undergo stricter background checks when applying for UK universities.

Official Statements & Resources

• Metropolitan Police Appeal for Victims – www.met.police.uk
• UK Crime Reporting (Crimestoppers UK) – www.crimestoppers-uk.org
• Support for Sexual Assault Survivors (Rape Crisis England & Wales) – www.rapecrisis.org.uk
• UK Home Office on International Student Visas – www.gov.uk/student-visa

Public Reaction and Safety Concerns

The case has sparked widespread concern among students, women’s rights activists, and lawmakers in the UK. Many have called for:

• Better safety measures for university students, particularly international students.
• Stricter background checks for foreign students arriving in the UK.
• Increased awareness about drug-facilitated sexual assaults and support for survivors.

What Happens Next?

Zou’s sentencing in June 2025 will determine the extent of his punishment. Meanwhile, authorities continue to search for additional victims, urging anyone who suspects they were targeted to seek support and report any incidents.

This case serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of online predators and highlights the critical need for stronger legal measures to prevent similar crimes.

For more details, visit:

• Metropolitan Police Official Site – www.met.police.uk
• UK Home Office – Criminal Justice & Safety – www.gov.uk/crime-justice-and-law
• University College London (UCL) Statement on the Case – www.ucl.ac.uk

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