Archive · 21 Jun 2025
PhD Student Jailed for Life After Rape, Drugging, and Filming
A PhD student named Zhenhao Zou has been sent to jail for the rest of his life.
He drugged, raped, and secretly recorded at least ten women, but investigators think there may be over sixty victims.
He would use social media to trick the women into coming to his apartment.
He was caught after a victim reported him.
Zou was caught with many videos of the crimes, and also had luxury items.
The judge said Zou treated the women like objects, causing them severe emotional harm.
Police are asking other possible victims to come forward.
Zhenhao Zou, a PhD student, was sentenced to life in prison for drugging, raping, and filming women.
He was convicted of crimes against at least 10 women between 2019 and 2023, but police suspect over 60 victims.
Zou used social media and dating apps to lure women to his apartment.
He was arrested upon returning to the UK in January 2024 and was found with luxury items and 'souvenirs'.
Zou was found guilty of 11 counts including rape, false imprisonment, voyeurism, and possession of extreme pornography.
- Who
- Zhenhao Zou, a PhD student.
- What
- Zhenhao Zou was sentenced to life imprisonment for drugging, raping, and filming women.
- When
- The crimes occurred between September 2019 and May 2023; he was sentenced in March 2025.
- Where
- London and China.
- Why
- Zou committed these acts because he had a 'sexual interest' in asserting power and control over women.
- Defendant
- Zhenhao Zou
- Age
- 28
- Sentence
- Life Imprisonment (minimum 24 years)
- Charges
- Rape, false imprisonment, voyeurism, and possession of extreme pornography
- Victim Count (Known)
- At least 10 (suspected 60+)
- Location of Crimes
- London, UK & China
- Arrest Date
- January 2024