Zhenhao Zou

Zhenhao Zou Sentenced to Life for Serial Drug-Facilitated Rapes

Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old man, has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the drugging and rape of 10 women in various locations across London. The Metropolitan Police Service investigated the series of sexual offences, which involved Zou using drugs to incapacitate his victims before assaulting them. The case came to light through detailed detective work following reports from multiple victims, highlighting the severity and premeditated nature of the crimes.

• The offences occurred over a period spanning several months, with victims ranging in age and background, all targeted in social or private settings.
• Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's specialist crime unit gathered forensic evidence, including toxicology reports confirming the presence of sedative drugs in the victims' systems.
• Zou was arrested in early 2025 after a tip-off linked him to the pattern of assaults.

At the sentencing hearing at the Central Criminal Court on 19 June 2025, Judge [Name not specified] commended the officers for their thorough investigation, stating, 'The bravery of the victims in coming forward, combined with the diligent work of the police, has ensured this dangerous individual is removed from society for a very long time.' The judge emphasised the profound impact on the victims' lives, describing the crimes as 'cowardly and calculated acts of exploitation.'

The Metropolitan Police Service, responsible for prosecuting the case, released a statement underscoring their commitment to tackling sexual offences: 'We praise the courage of those affected and will continue to support survivors through our dedicated services.' No specific locations for the offences were detailed beyond London, but the investigation spanned multiple boroughs. Zou showed no remorse during the proceedings, according to court reports from the Metropolitan Police newsroom.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat sexual violence in the capital, with the Met Police encouraging anyone with information on similar incidents to come forward.