A 28-year-old Chinese national and former PhD student at University College London has received a life sentence for orchestrating a series of horrifying sexual assaults across the United Kingdom and China. Identified as Zhenhao Zou, the convicted criminal carried out a calculated and sustained campaign of abuse involving drugging, raping, and violating the privacy of young women—many of whom were fellow Chinese students.

On June 13, 2025, a judge at Inner London Crown Court sentenced Zou to life imprisonment, mandating that he serve a minimum of 24 years before qualifying for parole. Accounting for time already spent in pre-trial detention, Zou must remain behind bars for at least 22 years and 227 days, as determined by Judge Rosina Cottage.

A Predatory Double Life

At the time of his arrest, Zou held the position of a promising PhD candidate in a science discipline at UCL. But beneath the surface of academic success lay a darker, hidden persona. Investigators discovered that Zou operated under the online alias “Pakho”, using social media platforms and dating apps—especially WeChat—to target vulnerable women, mostly of East Asian descent.

Prosecutors told the court that Zou’s victims were primarily Chinese-speaking students or young women whom he deliberately lured to private residences in London and in multiple cities in China. Once they arrived, he would drug them into unconsciousness before sexually assaulting them. In several cases, he even stole personal items such as jewelry, underwear, and electronic devices.

Adding to the horrific nature of the crimes, Zou recorded many of the assaults on hidden cameras and mobile phones. Some of these videos later became crucial evidence in the prosecution’s case against him.

Courtroom Shocker: Over a Dozen Charges, Possibly More Victims

The jury found Zou guilty in March 2025 on a range of charges, including:

• 11 counts of rape

• 1 count of false imprisonment

• 3 counts of voyeurism

• Possession of extreme pornographic material

• Possession of a controlled substance with intent to commit a sexual offense

The verdict followed months of investigations, forensic analysis, and testimony from multiple survivors. Authorities believe that the current known victims—10 across the UK and China—may only represent a fraction of those he assaulted. In March, UK law enforcement revealed suspicions that Zou may have raped more than 50 women, based on ongoing interviews, digital forensic recovery, and victim reports still emerging.

How the Police Caught Him

Zou’s crimes might have continued unchecked if not for one courageous woman who chose to report her assault to the authorities in January 2024. Her complaint sparked a broader investigation, leading police to Zou’s apartment, where they recovered:

• Date-rape drugs

• Hidden cameras embedded in household objects

• Hundreds of gigabytes of explicit video recordings

• A collection of women’s personal belongings

Investigators also linked Zou to multiple travel itineraries between the UK and China, suggesting he committed assaults on both sides of the globe. The scale and sophistication of the operation stunned even experienced law enforcement officials.

Victims Speak Out, Justice Delivered

Several survivors gave harrowing impact statements during the sentencing hearing. They described the emotional devastation, nightmares, and long-term trauma resulting from Zou’s predatory actions. Some spoke anonymously, while others identified themselves as international students who once believed the UK would offer safety and opportunity.

One woman stated:

“I trusted him. He was polite, well-educated, and spoke my language. I never imagined he could hurt me.”

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) praised the survivors for their bravery in coming forward. A spokesperson noted:

“These women are incredibly strong and brave. Their courage ensured this predator could no longer hide behind his education or digital mask. He will never again have the freedom to hurt another woman.”

A Manipulative Predator

Judge Cottage, while delivering the life sentence, condemned Zou’s actions as deliberate, sustained, and cruel. She described him as a “calculating, manipulative predator” who exploited trust and cultural familiarity to trap his victims.

“You showed no remorse,” the judge said. “You drugged, violated, and filmed women who had no ability to consent or protect themselves. You treated their lives, their dignity, as tools for your gratification.”

Despite mounting evidence and numerous victims, Zou remained unrepentant throughout the trial, choosing to remain mostly silent during proceedings and refusing to offer any apology.

A Disturbing Global Pattern

Zou’s case has shocked international observers due to its transnational nature. Authorities revealed that he orchestrated assaults not just in London, where he resided for his academic work, but also in various Chinese cities during visits and vacations.

Law enforcement agencies in both countries are now cooperating to trace more potential victims and close any legal gaps that allowed Zou to evade detection for so long.

Privacy campaigners and women’s rights advocates are calling for tighter controls and regulation on platforms like WeChat, Tantan, and international student groups—which they say often become gateways for predatory behavior among vulnerable populations. Advocacy groups are also lobbying universities to implement stronger background checks, sexual assault awareness campaigns, and counseling services for international students.

What Happens Next?

Zou will now serve his sentence in a high-security UK prison. Authorities have seized all digital equipment linked to the case, and his immigration status will likely be reviewed once his sentence ends. However, given the nature and volume of his offenses, early parole is extremely unlikely.

In the meantime, investigators continue combing through data retrieved from Zou’s devices, hoping to identify more victims and perhaps connect missing persons or unresolved rape cases to him. Police have also issued public appeals encouraging women who may have encountered Zou—either in person or online—to come forward.

Broader Implications for Universities and Social Media Platforms

This case has raised questions about the safety of international students in foreign countries. While universities often promote diversity and inclusion, critics argue that they must do more to protect students from hidden predators within academic spaces.

UCL, where Zou was enrolled, released a brief statement expressing “shock and deep concern” over the revelations. The university stated it is cooperating fully with law enforcement and reviewing its vetting procedures for postgraduate candidates. Administrators have also pledged to increase resources for mental health and trauma support for survivors.

Social media and dating app companies also face increased scrutiny for allowing criminals to use their platforms unchecked. Security experts are urging platforms to enforce stricter ID verification processes, especially when users contact others under false identities.

Final Words: Justice for Now, But More Work Ahead

The sentencing of Zhenhao Zou marks a critical moment in the fight against sexual violence targeting international women. While his incarceration prevents further harm, authorities remain concerned about the full scope of his crimes and whether justice has reached all his victims.

Survivors and advocacy groups are demanding stronger international cooperation, university accountability, and digital safety reforms. Their efforts serve as a sobering reminder that behind academic prestige and technological prowess, dangers can still lurk—and justice requires both vigilance and courage.