RAPIST FACES FURTHER CHARGES AFTER SEVEN MORE ALLEGATIONS

Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese national serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 24 years for rape, could face additional charges following fresh allegations involving seven more women. The Metropolitan Police has submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service containing allegations of rape and administering substances with intent to commit sexual offences. The file relates to reports made by five women who came forward following a public appeal, as well as two further alleged offences involving two women who remain unidentified. The CPS will decide whether to bring further charges.

Zou was convicted last year of 11 counts of rape involving 10 women in London and China between September 2019 and May 2023. He was also found guilty of three counts of voyeurism, 10 counts of possession of extreme pornographic images, one count of false imprisonment and three counts of possession of a controlled drug with intent to commit sexual offence. The Metropolitan Police said Zou filmed many of his assaults on women, most of whom could not be identified. A total of 23 women contacted police following the appeal, but most did not wish to pursue criminal charges.

Police described Zou as "one of the most prolific sexual predators" ever encountered in the UK and said they believe there may have been as many as 50 further victims. Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Craggs said officers recognised the courage shown by women who came forward. Separate inquiries remain ongoing into allegations involving women allegedly assaulted in China, with detectives working to obtain evidence from Chinese authorities. Detectives continue to liaise with the CPS as prosecutors review the new evidence.