A Chinese national serving a life sentence for drugging and raping 10 women in London and China may face additional charges. Zhenhao Zao, 29, who was convicted of 28 offenses including 11 counts of rape, was sentenced last year to a minimum term of 24 years.
The Metropolitan Police announced they have submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for consideration of new charges. This follows an appeal by detectives that led to five women coming forward to allege further sexual offenses.
Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Craggs stated that the submission of the file represents a significant step in the investigation. "We recognise how difficult it can be to report offences of this nature and every woman who has contacted us has shown considerable courage," Craggs said. The file includes evidence related to alleged rapes and administering a substance with intent to commit a sexual offense, according to Scotland Yard.
While the CPS considers the allegations involving women in the UK, investigations into similar allegations concerning women in China are ongoing. Detectives are pursuing evidence through formal international legal processes.
Zao, who came to the UK in 2017 and later obtained a PhD from UCL, used social media and dating websites to target women, many of whom were fellow students. His trial last year heard he was a serial rapist who incapacitated victims with drugs. Evidence found at his accommodation included recordings of his attacks in both London and China.
During sentencing, Her Honour Judge Rosina Cottage KC described Zao as a predator who used charm as a facade for his criminal behavior, treating his victims as "sex toys for your pleasure."