A Chinese student who is currently serving a life sentence for drugging and raping multiple women in London and China may face new charges, authorities have stated. Zhenhao Zou, 29, has already been convicted of 28 offenses, including 11 counts of rape against 10 women, three counts of voyeurism, and one count of false imprisonment.
Zou is serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 24 years before he can be considered for release. This follows his conviction last year for the extensive list of crimes. The Metropolitan Police recently sent a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider further charges after five additional women reported alleged sexual offenses following a police appeal.
The file submitted to the CPS contains evidence related to several alleged offenses, including rape and administering a substance with intent to commit a sexual offense, according to Scotland Yard. The CPS will now determine whether Zou will be charged with new offenses.
Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Craggs acknowledged the courage of the women who have come forward since the appeal, stating that every report is treated seriously and investigated thoroughly by specially trained officers. "The submission of this file of evidence marks a significant step in our investigation," Craggs said.
Separate inquiries are also ongoing into allegations involving women who were allegedly sexually assaulted in China. Detectives are working to obtain evidence through formal international legal processes.
During Zou's four-week trial last year, the court heard that he targeted women, often fellow students, through social media and dating websites. He used drugs to incapacitate his victims before carrying out his attacks. Evidence found on SD cards at Zou's accommodation included recordings of him raping unconscious women in both London and China.
Zou came to the UK in 2017 to study in Belfast and later attended University College London (UCL), where he was pursuing a PhD. Sentencing Zou last year, Her Honour Judge Rosina Cottage KC described his use of 'charm' as a mask for his criminal behavior, stating that he sought power over his victims and treated them callously. "These women you treated callously as sex toys for your pleasure," the judge remarked.