23 women come forward after Zhenhao Zou's conviction for multiple rapes

In a troubling case concerning heightened sexual violence, Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old man from China, was convicted of 28 offenses, including 11 rapes, at the Inner London Crown Court. The crimes occurred over multiple years, specifically between 2019 and 2023, across locations in London and China. Zou was known to have drugged his victims, significantly impacting their ability to resist during assaults. Authorities revealed that he filmed nine of these rapes, a fact that only intensifies the horror of his actions. Prior to his trial, only two women were identified as victims, highlighting a significant gap in awareness regarding his criminal activities, which has since come to light following his conviction. Following the initial court proceedings, a substantial breakthrough was realized when 23 additional women stepped forward, spurred by an appeal from the Metropolitan Police. These women collectively expressed their shock, guilt, and the urgent desire to seek justice after realizing the extent of Zou's criminal behavior. They began to share their stories, revealing patterns of manipulation and drugging, with some recounting instances where Zou persuaded them to spend time with him under the guise of friendship while he predatory drugged their drinks. The police believe that the offending group may be even larger than initially comprehended, as multiple women continue to come forward. The testimonies of victims like Alice and Rachel reflect the devastating emotional and psychological aftermath they endure, including feelings of guilt and confusion over their experiences. Additionally, both women emphasized the importance of their testimonials in encouraging other victims to bring their stories to light and provide hope that Zou may face further legal consequences not just in the UK, but also in China. Zou's sentencing date is now set for June 19, creating anticipation around potential further developments in the case.