As investigations continue into the case of Zou Zhenhao, a 28-year-old PhD student convicted of drugging and raping 10 women, police have reported that 23 more women have come forward with allegations of sexual assault. The Metropolitan Police in London announced this significant development on April 2, detailing that these women, who currently reside in various locations including the UK and China, may have also fallen victim to Zou's offenses.

Zou, who was found guilty in March 2024 of 11 counts of rape, was reported to have used his charm to befriend potential victims on platforms such as WeChat and dating apps. He would invite them to drink at his apartments in London and China before drugging them with substances like butanediol, which metabolizes into GHB, a depressant commonly associated with incapacitating victims.

Detectives have revealed details of the investigation, highlighting the distressing reality that Zou filmed some of the assaults using hidden cameras. The sheer volume of evidence found on his devices suggests there may be as many as 50 additional victims. After a public appeal was made for survivors to come forward, the police have been working tirelessly to reach out to these newly identified individuals.

Metropolitan Police Commander Kevin Southworth remarked on the implications of Zou’s prolific offending, stating, “Given how prolific Zou seems to have been, there is every potential he could be one of the most prolific offenders that we’ve ever seen.” The ongoing investigation aims not only to offer support to the new complainants but also to ensure that due justice is pursued.

Those who have come forward report their experiences vary from being drugged and assaulted in London to facing similar situations in Zou's hometown in China. Among them are women who had initially hesitated to report their assaults due to uncertainty about the reporting process and concerns about the impact on their lives and studies.

The police investigation remains open as authorities compile new evidence to present to the Crown Prosecution Service for potential further prosecution. Zou, who was a doctoral student at University College London, is scheduled for sentencing on June 19, 2024, with the police urging any additional victims to contact them.

More information on supporting victims of sexual violence is available through various resources, including BBC Action Line, which provides pathways to help.