A Student's Dark Secret: A Life Sentence for Repeated Crimes

A former PhD student has been given a life sentence for a series of serious crimes. Zhenhao Zou, now 28, was found guilty of raping 10 women in both the UK and China. The judge decided he must spend at least 24 years in prison before he can even ask for release. Zou's crimes were shocking. He used drugs to make his victims helpless. He then took advantage of them in the worst way possible. Police say he also stole personal items from these women, like jewelry and clothes. He even recorded some of his attacks using hidden cameras and his phone. How did he find his victims? He used WeChat and dating apps to connect with students of Chinese background. He invited them to his apartments in London and China. Once there, he drugged and assaulted them. It's a cruel and cowardly way to hurt people. Zou was a student at University College London. He was arrested in January 2024 after one brave victim reported him to the police. In March, prosecutors praised the women who came forward. They called them strong and brave for sharing their stories. Without their courage, Zou might still be free. This case shows how important it is to speak up. The women who reported Zou helped stop him from hurting others. It's a reminder that no one should stay silent when they see something wrong.