A Chinese PhD student who filmed himself raping unconscious women and kept a “trophy box” of victims’ belongings has been sentenced to life in prison, revealing a sexual predator who may have assaulted more than 50 women across two continents.
Key Takeaways
- Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old PhD student at University College London, has been sentenced to life with a minimum term of 24 years for drugging and raping 10 women in the UK and China.
- Police discovered 1,664 hours of footage including 58 videos of rapes, with investigators fearing there may be more than 50 victims total.
- Zou, described by the judge as “highly manipulative and intelligent,” specifically targeted fellow Chinese students through dating apps and social media.
- At least 24 additional women have come forward with allegations since his conviction, with police urging other potential victims to report their experiences.
- The case highlights serious concerns about international predators who operate across multiple jurisdictions to evade detection.
A Calculated Predator
Zhenhao Zou, convicted on June 19, 2025, after a four-week trial at Inner London Crown Court, was found guilty of 28 offenses including 11 rapes, voyeurism, and possession of extreme pornography and drugs for sexual offenses. The 28-year-old mechanical engineering student at University College London used a sophisticated method to prey on his victims, primarily targeting women of Chinese heritage. Operating under the alias “Pakho,” Zou would invite women to his apartment under the pretense of studying or having drinks, where he would drug them before committing his crimes.
“The sheer scale of his offending, which spanned two countries, makes him one of the most prolific predators we have ever seen,” said DCI Richard Mackenzie of the Metropolitan Police.
The evidence against Zou was overwhelming. Police discovered a shocking 1,664 hours of footage, including 58 videos of rapes, at his London flat. Investigators also found sedatives and recording equipment along with what was described as a “trophy box” containing personal items believed to be “souvenirs” taken from his victims. This level of calculated preparation reveals a predator who meticulously planned his attacks and took steps to preserve evidence of his crimes for personal gratification.
The Mask of Intelligence
Perhaps most disturbing about this case is how Zou used his status as a PhD student and his intelligence to facilitate his crimes. Judge Rosina Cottage, who presided over the case, described Zou as a “very bright young man” who used a “charming mask” to conceal his true nature as a “sexual predator.” This characterization highlights the dangerous reality that predators often operate under a veneer of respectability, using their social standing and perceived trustworthiness to gain access to victims.
“A highly manipulative and intelligent young man who gave no thought at all of the wishes and feelings of the women,” said Judge Cottage KC in her sentencing remarks.
The judge further emphasized that Zou posed a significant risk to women due to his desire for power and control. This assessment is supported by Zou’s own behavior, including his admission to watching extreme pornography and his boasts about having multiple new sexual partners weekly. Court testimony revealed that Zou treated his unconscious victims as objects for his gratification, filming nine of the rapes as “souvenirs” with complete disregard for the trauma he was inflicting.
A Growing Investigation
The true scope of Zou’s crimes remains unknown. While he has been convicted of assaulting 10 women, police believe the actual number of victims may exceed 50. The investigation continues to expand, with at least 24 additional women coming forward with allegations since his conviction. This pattern of escalating victim counts is unfortunately common in such cases, as initial reports often encourage other victims to break their silence.
“Thanks to the remarkable efforts of our officers and prosecutors, a dangerous and cowardly offender will now spend the next 24 years behind bars,” stated Commander Kevin Southworth of the Metropolitan Police.
Of particular concern is the international nature of Zou’s crimes, which spanned both the UK and China between 2019 and 2023. This cross-border element complicated the investigation and raises questions about how many similar predators may be operating internationally, exploiting differences in legal systems and the challenges of international policing. The conviction also underscores the importance of international cooperation in pursuing justice for victims regardless of where crimes occur.
Justice for Victims
For the victims, the life sentence with a minimum term of 24 years represents only the beginning of their journey toward healing. According to court documents, victims have described severe emotional and physical trauma, with one victim expressing a profound loss of faith in people’s inherent goodness. The courage of these women in coming forward has been instrumental in securing Zou’s conviction and potentially preventing future attacks.
“They have been incredibly strong and brave,” said Prosecutor Saira Pike, speaking of the victims who testified against Zou.
The Metropolitan Police have urged any additional potential victims to come forward, promising empathy and respect in handling their cases. Zou will be eligible for parole after serving 22 years and 227 days, accounting for time already spent on remand. However, given the judge’s assessment of his dangerous nature and the continuing revelation of additional victims, it seems likely that Zou may face additional charges and potentially extended imprisonment as the full extent of his crimes becomes known.
