Zhenhao Zou, 28, a Chinese PhD student at University College London, has been locked up for life with a minimum of 24 years after being found guilty of drugging and raping ten women in the UK and China. The shocking case, involving hidden videotapes, was labeled one of the most appalling predatory crime sprees of the contemporary British period by police.
/*Calculated Predator: The Crimes Exposed*/
Zou was convicted of 28 crimes, including 11 rapes, voyeurism, false imprisonment, and having date‑rape drugs and extreme pornography after a four-week trial in March at Inner London Crown Court. He recruited victims, many of them fellow Chinese nationals, using apps and WeChat, spiked them with butanediol, and recorded at least nine assaults on hidden cameras, taking mementos like jewelry and clothing.
/*Horror Evidence: Digital Trace*/
Police recovered over 1,664 hours of video footage and nine million messages documenting Zou's crimes in London and China. The detectives referred to his actions as "highly manipulative" of a "sexual predator" type. With videos, hidden cameras, sedatives, and a so-called "trophy box" found in his apartment, officials believe there may be more than 50 unknown victims.
/*Sentence & Courtroom Reaction*/
Judge Rosina Cottage called Zou a mastermind but a ruthless predator. She underlined the calculated approach of his campaign and its catastrophic impact on victims. He was jailed for life, with a minimum of 24 years, minus time served on arrest. Zhenhao Zou attempted to cut his sentence in half by volunteering for chemical castration at his initiative, but this was deemed "manipulative" by the court.
/*Ongoing Investigations & Wider Impact*/
As the case, a minimum of 24 other women have emerged worldwide with similar complaints. The affected students and staff members have been provided with counseling and support by UCL. The detectives continue working on the case and identifying other victims primarily among Chinese communities in both countries promising confidentiality and psychological counseling