• A Chinese student, Zhenhao Zou, was sentenced to life in prison for drugging and raping 10 women.
• He used social media to lure victims to his home, where he would drug and assault them.
• At least 50 other potential victims have been identified through his recordings.
• The judge described Zou as a manipulative predator, causing long-term trauma to his victims.
• Police continue to investigate, anticipating more victims may come forward.

A Chinese PhD student, Zhenhao Zou, 28, was sentenced to life on June 19, 2024, for drugging and raping 10 women in the UK and China. Despite Zou's claims of innocence, evidence presented at the Inner London Crown Court proved that he was involved in a "calculated and predatory" campaign of assault that lasted from 2019 to 2023. Judge Rosina Cottage stated, "To the world, you appear to be a very well-to-do man. You are also a sexual predator," underscoring the depth of his deception and the severe impact of his crimes, according to Channel News Asia and Dawn.

Zou was found guilty of 28 offences, including 11 counts of rape and three counts of voyeurism. He committed these crimes by inviting women to his home under false pretenses, offering them drinks laced with drugs to render them unconscious. Evidence included video footage of the assaults, which Zou recorded as "souvenirs." His manipulative nature and lack of empathy were highlighted by Judge Cottage, and the prosecution described him as having "no understanding of the meaning of consent," according to SCMP and BBC.

Victim impact statements presented during sentencing revealed the profound psychological trauma experienced by survivors. Women described feelings of powerlessness and lasting mental health effects, including anxiety and depression. One victim remarked, “I will never forgive him,” pointing to the emotional scars inflicted. The distress caused by his actions has left many living in fear and struggling with their mental well-being, necessitating ongoing support, according to Los Angeles Times and Channel News Asia.

Following the verdict, London's Metropolitan Police revealed they had identified at least 50 other potential victims from video footage and other evidence related to Zou's crimes. The ongoing investigation has prompted more women to report their experiences. Detective Inspector Richard MacKenzie emphasized the scale of Zou's 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," signaling a continuing concern for public safety, according to Channel News Asia and SCMP.