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New Revelations in Case of Chinese PhD Student Convicted of Multiple Assaults

In a deeply distressing development, an additional 23 women have come forward, alleging that they were raped by a Chinese PhD student who is suspected of being one of the nation’s most notorious sexual predators.

University College London (UCL) student, 28-year-old Zhenhao Zou, was convicted last month on multiple counts of drugging and raping ten women. His heinous acts were recorded on hidden cameras, which he referred to as “souvenirs.” Among the victims, only two have been officially identified.

Judge Rosina Cottage characterized Zou as a “dangerous and predatory” individual, emphasizing that he is likely to receive a “very long” prison sentence when he is formally sentenced in June.

In light of the ongoing investigation, police have made a worldwide appeal for any additional victims to step forward. Authorities reported finding videos depicting at least 50 unidentified women being assaulted by Zou. Furthermore, he maintained a collection of personal items from his victims, which included jewelry and clothing.

Zou’s method of operation involved targeting young Chinese women, luring them to his residence under the guise of socializing or studying, only to drug and assault them afterward.

Recent updates reveal that police have already identified over 20 women who have come forward, and efforts are now underway to see if they match any of the unknown victims in the disturbing footage discovered.

Metropolitan Police commander Kevin Southworth commended the bravery of those who have come forward, stating, “We have victims reaching out to us from different parts of the globe.”

He highlighted that initial investigations suggest that the primary locations of Zou’s offenses could be in England, particularly London, as well as in China.

Southworth warned that “there is every potential he could be one of the most prolific offenders that we’ve ever seen” and urged anyone who may be a victim to come forward.

He added, “Given how active and prolific Zou appears to have been, there is a strong possibility he could have victimized individuals anywhere in the world.”

The commander encouraged potential victims, saying, “If you think you may have been affected by Zhenhao Zou or know someone who has, please reach out to us.”

Witness testimonies and evidence presented during Zou’s trial at Inner London Crown Court revealed that Zou had admitted to enjoying a specific genre of pornography that involves women in non-consensual states, further unsettling those involved in the proceedings.

Investigators uncovered a disturbing trove of evidence during this case, including over 1,660 hours of video material on Zou’s devices, which detailed the extent of his criminal activities.

Southworth remarked on the complexities of the investigation, stating, “Now it’s the investigation team’s responsibility to carefully examine each piece of evidence and victim’s story to ascertain when and where the offenses occurred, ultimately bringing Zou to justice for all his crimes.”

Zou had first moved to the UK in 2017, initially studying at Queen’s University in Belfast, before enrolling at UCL for his PhD in 2019. During this time, he lived in various student accommodations in areas like Bloomsbury and later in the upscale Cousin building in south London.

His time in the UK was characterized by an outwardly sociable demeanor, engaging in nightlife and hosting parties. However, he was also known to have used Class A drugs such as cocaine and ketamine, and he underwent significant cosmetic surgery, including a hair transplant and alterations to his facial structure.

Zou has been convicted on multiple counts: 11 for rape (two related to a single victim), three for voyeurism, ten for possession of extreme pornographic material, one for false imprisonment, and three for possessing a controlled drug for sexual offenses. He was acquitted of additional charges regarding drug possession and extreme pornographic images.

The Metropolitan Police continue to solicit information from anyone who suspects they may have been victimized by Zou, encouraging potential victims to contact them through the major incident public portal on their website or by emailing survivors@met.police.uk.

Source
www.yahoo.com