Zhenhao Zou: Prolific Student Predator Found Guilty of Multiple Attacks

Tue Sep 23 2025 13:53:46 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A shocking account reveals how two women were attacked by Zhenhao Zou within 24 hours, highlighting a disturbing pattern of sexual violence.

Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese student, was convicted of drugging and raping ten women across the UK and China. Victims Rachel and Female D recount their harrowing experiences and the impact of Zou's crimes. Investigations suggest he may have assaulted many more women.

Two Women Reveal Horrific Experiences with Zhenhao Zou

Two women who reported being drugged and raped by prolific sex offender Zhenhao Zou said they were attacked within 24 hours of each other, the BBC has established.

The first woman who says she was raped told us she was shocked to learn about the second attack and had since felt guilt for not reporting her rape sooner.

Metropolitan Police detectives investigating Zou's offences initially questioned whether the two women might be the same person, because the two attacks sounded identical and happened in such a short space of time.

This timing showed Zou was confident, a source familiar with the investigation told the BBC World Service. He was getting away with it, so he wanted to do it more and more, they said.

Warning: This story contains descriptions of sexual violence

Zou was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 24 years, in June.

The Chinese national was convicted for drugging and raping 10 women - three in the UK and seven in China - between September 2019 and May 2023. All victims appear to have been Chinese.

But after his trial, detectives - having described Zou as one of the UK's most prolific predators - said they feared he may have attacked 50 more women.

Since Zou's trial, 24 women have come forward in both the UK and China, including the victims of these two attacks.

Rachel's Story

The first victim, referred to as Rachel, reported her experience of meeting Zou for drinks in late October 2022, claiming he drugged her during the encounter. Messages shared with the BBC reveal her attempts to seek help afterwards.

Rachel was too afraid to report her rape due to concerns about lack of evidence and the fear of being shamed.

Further Investigations

The second victim, known as Female D, was attacked just hours after Rachel. She provided critical evidence that led to Zou's conviction.

Detectives continue to investigate Zou's extensive criminal activity and advocate for more victims to come forward.

The Met's Detective Chief Inspector stated, The scale of his offending – which spanned two continents – makes him one of the most dangerous sexual offenders the Met has ever brought to justice. In the aftermath, both victims express their ongoing pain and regret over the incidents.