Second Trial Looms for Serial Rapist Zhenhao Zou

After being sentenced to life imprisonment, Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese student, now faces the possibility of a second trial regarding his crimes. This follows an initial conviction for attacking multiple women, casting a harsh light on the extent of his offenses and the ongoing investigation.

New Charges Expected

Authorities are preparing to bring further charges against Zhenhao Zou, who is already serving a minimum 24-year sentence. Detectives and prosecutors are reportedly discussing at least one additional trial for the former PhD student. The initial conviction, handed down on a Thursday, saw Zou receive a life sentence.

BREAKING: Serial rapist Zhenhao Zou has been sentenced to life in prison. #news

— World Today News (@WorldTodayNews) June 19, 2025

Since his conviction in March, more women have come forward, and some have provided formal statements that might be admissible in court. Of the 24 new complainants, several provided formal statements, potentially opening the door to another trial. Approximately 1 in 6 American women have experienced rape in their lifetime (RAINN, 2024).

Crimes and Evidence

Zou, who came to Britain as a student, was arrested in January 2024 while studying at University College London. He drugged and attacked women, documenting the assaults with videos. These recordings became the key evidence leading to his conviction. The judge, Rosina Cottage KC, stated Zou would “groom” victims over social media.

“These women you treated callously as sex toys for your pleasure.”

—Rosina Cottage KC, Judge

Investigators suspect that Zou may be one of the worst sexual offenders in British history, having found videos of him assaulting an additional 50 victims. Included in evidence were drugs used to incapacitate the victims, some of which could lead to memory loss.

Scope of the Investigation

The videos reveal a man believed to be Zou attacking numerous women. Some recordings do not show the victims’ faces, and approximately half of the attacks occurred in the UK. Detectives have identified the locations by examining the style of plug sockets. In total, there were 1,270 videos, representing 1,660 hours of footage, with 58 videos showing Zou raping women.

Prosecutors aim to counter any defense that the women had consented, given the nature of the attacks. The drugs used can render a victim immobile, while also causing bouts of euphoria. One source said, “We expect more charges; we expect a second trial.”