A 28-year-old serial rapist, Zhenhao Zou, has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 24 years, after being convicted of raping ten women across the United Kingdom and China. The sentencing took place at the Inner London Crown Court, where Judge Rosina Cottage stated that Zou would serve 22 years and nearly eight months before he could be considered for parole, taking into account time spent in custody before the trial.
In March of this year, Zou was found guilty on multiple charges: 11 counts of rape, false imprisonment, voyeurism, and several other offenses—including illegal possession of extreme sexual imagery and drugs intended for sexual crimes. Prosecutors described many of his victims as being unconscious and defenseless due to drugging.
Zou, who was also known by the name “Pakho” online, targeted individuals of Chinese origin through social platforms like WeChat and various dating applications, luring them to his residences in London and China. He was reported to have filmed his assaults and taken personal belongings from his victims.
Law enforcement officials underscored the severity of Zou’s manipulative actions, stating he operated in the most cowardly manner, drugging and assaulting women who were unable to defend themselves. He was a PhD student at University College London before his arrest in January 2024, prompted by one of the victims coming forward to report his crimes.
The Crown Prosecution Service praised the “courageous women” for their bravery in bringing their stories forward, highlighting that their testimonies were pivotal in securing Zou’s convictions. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of support systems for victims and the impact of their courage in the pursuit of justice.
This sentencing not only provides a measure of justice for the victims but serves to raise awareness about the dangers of online predation and the critical need for vigilance on social platforms to protect vulnerable individuals from such heinous acts.