Zhenhao Zou faces potential new charges for sexual offences

Zhenhao Zou, a convicted serial rapist currently serving a life sentence with a minimum 24-year term, may face additional charges following new allegations from seven women. The Metropolitan Police have submitted a file to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) regarding potential offences, including rape and the administration of substances with intent to commit sexual offences.

The new evidence involves reports from five women who came forward after a police appeal, as well as the alleged rape of two unidentified women. While 23 women contacted the police following the appeal, most declined to pursue criminal charges.

Zou, a Chinese national who was studying for a PhD in London, was previously found guilty of drugging and raping 10 women in London and China between 2019 and 2023. His prior convictions also include voyeurism, false imprisonment, and possession of controlled drugs and extreme pornographic images. Police are also conducting separate inquiries into allegations involving assaults in China and are working with Chinese authorities to obtain evidence.