‘One of the most prolific that we’ve ever seen’: UCL student found guilty of raping 10 women

A PhD student has been found guilty of rape after images of the crimes were discovered by the police.  

Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old Chinese international student, studying at University College London (UCL), sexually assaulted 10 women, two of whom have been identified. The eight remaining women are yet to be traced by the London Metropolitan Police. 

The student flew to China two days after a woman reported him to the police in November 2023. He was arrested in his flat after his return flight in January 2024. 

Judge Rosina Cottage described Zou as ‘dangerous and predatory’, with evidence suggesting that there could be up to 50 more victims

Zou filmed nine sexual assaults, which he kept as “souvenirs”. He also kept a box full of his victim’s possessions. 

The Met discovered in total 1,270 videos, 1,660 hours of footage, and 58 videos of Zou’s crimes. 

They also discovered hidden cameras, ecstasy, and industrial chemicals in his flat during the time of his arrest. 

Judge Rosina Cottage described Zou as “dangerous and predatory”, with evidence suggesting that there could be up to 50 more victims. 

The Met said they are “desperate to trace” the 50 potential victims of Zou’s crimes.  

Commander Kevin Southworth said: “Such is the insidious nature of these offences, I think there is a possibility that many more victim survivors may not even know that he has, in fact, raped them.”

He suggested that Zou “may turn out to be one of the most prolific sexual predators that we’ve ever seen in this country”.

The charges of Zhenhao Zou include, among others, 11 counts of rape, three counts of voyeurism, and 10 counts of possession of an extreme pornographic image.  

Dr Michael Spence, President of UCL, expressed his outrage, stating: “We have been appalled by these horrific offences. Our thoughts are with the survivors and we wish to pay tribute to the bravery of the women who reported these crimes and gave evidence at the trial.” 

Saira Pike, of the Crown Prosecution Service, expressed her “heartfelt thanks to the courageous women who came forward to report Zhenhao Zou’s heinous crimes”, adding that “Zou is a serial rapist and a danger to women”.

The London Metropolitan Police launched an appeal to find any further potential victims.  

Commander Kevin Southworth stated: “If you’re a woman who’s in any way had a one-on-one encounter with this man Zou, then we would like to hear from you.”