Sex Crimes Committed Across China and the UK, with Video Evidence Left Behind
Lead Detective: "Possible One of the Worst Sex Offenders in History"
A man in his 20s from China studying in the UK was found guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting 10 women.
On the 7th (local time), according to local media including the BBC and The Guardian, the Inner London Crown Court ruled Zhou Jenhao (28), a Chinese man accused of sexually assaulting 10 women, guilty on the 5th. Zhou was tried on charges of drugging and raping 10 women from 2019 to 2024, as well as possession of extreme pornography and unlawful detention.
Zhou Zhenhao (28), a Chinese international student residing in the UK, was convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting 10 women. Photo by London Metropolitan Police Service
Zhou moved to Northern Ireland at age 20 and studied mechanical engineering at Queen's University Belfast from 2017 to 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he returned to his home country China, then came back to the UK to pursue a master's and doctoral degree at University College London (UCL) in London.
According to the Metropolitan Police Service, Zhou is accused of sexually assaulting two women whose identities have been confirmed and eight others whose identities remain unknown. He contacted women through social networking services (SNS) and dating apps, then invited them to his home to drink or study together. He allegedly committed the crimes by giving the women drinks laced with drugs and raping them after they lost consciousness. Zhou recorded nine of the assaults and collected the victims' jewelry, clothing, and other belongings.
The lead detective said, "Based on video evidence, the number of victims could be as many as 50," adding, "The method of the crime is so sophisticated that many victims might not even realize they were sexually assaulted." He further stated, "Zhou could be one of the worst sex offenders in history."
Of the 11 counts of sexual assault against 10 women for which Zhou was found guilty, three occurred in London, UK, and the remaining seven took place in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. All victims are reported to be of Chinese descent. Police found hidden cameras in Zhou's bedroom and drugs such as GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) and ecstasy, which are used as "date rape" drugs. GHB is known as "mulppong" in Korea.
The presiding judge described Zhou as a "dangerous and vicious criminal" and stated that he would receive "a very long prison sentence" at sentencing scheduled for June 19.
Additionally, Zhou was convicted in the UK for sexual assaults committed in China. This is because foreigners residing in the UK can be prosecuted in the UK for crimes that are illegal both in the UK and the country where the crime was committed.
Meanwhile, Zhou is known to come from a wealthy family in China. He reportedly owns a wardrobe full of Rolex watches and designer brand clothes and has the financial means to afford hair transplants and plastic surgery. Zhou is said to have paid ?4,000 (approximately 7.5 million KRW) per month in rent for his London apartment.
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