Two women who reported being drugged and raped by prolific sex offender Zhenhao Zou said they were attacked within 24 hours of each other, the BBC has established. The first woman, known as Rachel, expressed shock upon learning about the second attack and guilt for not coming forward sooner. Metropolitan Police detectives were uncertain if the two women were the same due to similarities in their accounts. This timing depicted Zou as increasingly audacious, prompting concerns about the potential extent of his offenses.
Zou, sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 24 years, was convicted for drugging and raping ten women - three in the UK and seven in China. He was accused of captivating victims through intoxicating drinks, later unbeknownst to them, to facilitate his crimes.
Rachel met Zou for drinks in late October 2022. After he provided her a drink that left her dizzied and nearly immobile, she claims he raped her. Notably, Zou confiscated her phone when she attempted to call a friend for help, manipulating the situation to exert control.
The investigation revealed that Rachel didn't report her assault fearing there was insufficient evidence and a fear of professional or social repercussions. Zou had previously researched prescription sleeping pills, underpinning a pattern of drug use associated with his offenses, including butanediol, which can turn into GHB in the body.
The second victim, under the alias Female D, was assaulted by Zou just hours after Rachel’s incident. She reported the assault to UK police once learning of his conviction. The evidence from her case was undeniable, as Zhenhao recorded the attack using video footage of the horrifying encounter.
Following these revelations, both victims have been commended for coming forward, prompting ongoing discussions in the police about their broader investigation into Zou's network and any additional charges that might arise. As Det Ch Insp Tariq Farooqi noted, The scale of his offending – which spanned two continents – makes him one of the most dangerous sexual offenders the Met has ever brought to justice.
The personal impacts on both women were profound, with Rachel reflecting on the guilt of not reporting sooner, believing her actions might have prevented further victimization. Similarly, Female D shared her struggles post-assault, detailing how nightmares still impede her daily life, foreboding the lasting effects of trauma. As investigations continue, the plight of these victims shines a light on the pervasive issue of sexual violence and the critical importance of support for the survivors.
Zou, sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 24 years, was convicted for drugging and raping ten women - three in the UK and seven in China. He was accused of captivating victims through intoxicating drinks, later unbeknownst to them, to facilitate his crimes.
Rachel met Zou for drinks in late October 2022. After he provided her a drink that left her dizzied and nearly immobile, she claims he raped her. Notably, Zou confiscated her phone when she attempted to call a friend for help, manipulating the situation to exert control.
The investigation revealed that Rachel didn't report her assault fearing there was insufficient evidence and a fear of professional or social repercussions. Zou had previously researched prescription sleeping pills, underpinning a pattern of drug use associated with his offenses, including butanediol, which can turn into GHB in the body.
The second victim, under the alias Female D, was assaulted by Zou just hours after Rachel’s incident. She reported the assault to UK police once learning of his conviction. The evidence from her case was undeniable, as Zhenhao recorded the attack using video footage of the horrifying encounter.
Following these revelations, both victims have been commended for coming forward, prompting ongoing discussions in the police about their broader investigation into Zou's network and any additional charges that might arise. As Det Ch Insp Tariq Farooqi noted, The scale of his offending – which spanned two continents – makes him one of the most dangerous sexual offenders the Met has ever brought to justice.
The personal impacts on both women were profound, with Rachel reflecting on the guilt of not reporting sooner, believing her actions might have prevented further victimization. Similarly, Female D shared her struggles post-assault, detailing how nightmares still impede her daily life, foreboding the lasting effects of trauma. As investigations continue, the plight of these victims shines a light on the pervasive issue of sexual violence and the critical importance of support for the survivors.
