Chinese PhD student jailed for life over series of rapes in UK

 

By Sumesh Rajan | June 20, 2025

London, UK: A Chinese national and former PhD student at University College London has been sentenced to life imprisonment for a series of rapes and sexual offenses committed against women in both the United Kingdom and China.

Zhenhao Zou, 28, was handed a life sentence at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, June 19, 2025, with a minimum term of 24 years. Due to time already served in custody, Zou will be eligible for parole after 22 years and 227 days, as ruled by Judge Rosina Cottage.

In March, Zou was found guilty of 11 counts of rape, one count of false imprisonment, three counts of voyeurism, and several additional offenses, including possession of extreme pornographic content and possession of a controlled substance with intent to commit sexual assault.

Prosecutors detailed how Zou—who used the alias “Pakho” on social media—contacted women of Chinese descent via platforms such as WeChat and dating apps. He lured them to his residences in both London and China, where he drugged and sexually assaulted them. Many of the victims were left unconscious and completely incapacitated during the attacks.

Authorities reported that Zou filmed several of the assaults using mobile devices and concealed cameras. In some cases, he also stole personal belongings from the victims, including clothing and jewelry.

The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the bravery of the survivors, stating that their testimony was crucial in bringing Zou to justice. “There is no doubt that the courageous women who came forward were instrumental in securing these convictions,” prosecutors said in a statement.

Zou was arrested in January 2024 following a report from one of his victims. Law enforcement officials described his pattern of behavior as "manipulative and predatory," labeling his actions as “cowardly and calculated.”

The case has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed calls for international cooperation in addressing crimes of sexual violence that span borders