Serial rapist Zhenhao Zou may face new charges

Zhenhao Zou, who is currently serving a life sentence for drugging and raping 10 women across London and China, may face further charges. The Metropolitan Police has submitted a file of new allegations involving seven additional women to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for consideration.

The file sent to the CPS contains evidence relating to alleged offences including rape and administering a substance with intent to commit a sexual offence. These new allegations stem from reports made by five women who came forward after police appealed for more victims, as well as two further alleged victims who remain unidentified. In total, 23 women contacted police following the appeal, though most did not wish to pursue criminal charges, the Metropolitan Police stated.

Offences Committed in London

Zou committed many of his offences while residing in London and pursuing a PhD. The Metropolitan Police stated that separate inquiries are also underway into allegations involving women allegedly assaulted by Zou in China, with officers seeking to obtain evidence from Chinese authorities.

Zou was found guilty of drugging and raping 10 women between September 2019 and May 2023. His convictions also include three counts of voyeurism, 10 of possession of an extreme pornographic image, one of false imprisonment, and three of possession of a controlled drug with intent to commit a sexual offence. Investigators believe there may be as many as 50 further victims and described Zou as one of the most prolific sexual predators seen in the UK.

The CPS will now decide whether to bring further charges against Zou based on the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police.