Zhenhao Zou was convicted of raping 10 women and is under investigation for potentially attacking over 50 more, as 23 additional survivors have come forward with accusations against him.

The case against Zou is alarming not only due to his heinous actions—convicted of 11 counts of rape, false imprisonment, and voyeurism—but also because it highlights a disturbing pattern of targeting vulnerable women, particularly young Chinese female students, through dating apps. With police actively seeking more victims, the full extent of Zou's criminal behavior may still be unfolding, raising serious concerns about safety and support for survivors.

Zhenhao Zou, a former student at University College London (UCL) and Queen's University Belfast, was found guilty in a high-profile case that has raised significant alarm across multiple communities. During the trial, evidence revealed a systematic approach to Zou's attacks, which included the use of butanediol—an intoxicating substance that converts to GHB when ingested—thus incapacitating his victims. The tactics employed by Zou, coupled with the chilling evidence from videos of the assaults filmed by him, portray a deeply troubling picture of calculated predation.

The initial convictions against Zou involved 11 counts of rape, alongside one count of false imprisonment and three counts of voyeurism. Despite these serious charges, 23 additional women have since come forward with accusations against him, indicating a broader pattern of abuse that investigators had begun to suspect. Authorities now believe that the total number of victims could surpass 50, emphasizing the necessity of ongoing investigations.

Victims of Zou's attacks have come from diverse backgrounds, including women from the UK, China, and various other regions. This international dimension of the case highlights the potential for widespread victimization and raises questions about how vulnerable populations, particularly students, can be targeted. Reports indicate that Zou may have utilized dating apps and social media to specifically target young Chinese female students, thus exploiting a demographic that might be more isolated in new environments.

In the wake of Zou’s convictions, police have launched an appeal for any additional survivors to come forward. They have publicly stated that they are open to the possibility of more victims in Belfast—drawing attention to the fact that many of Zou's activities likely took place during his studies there. Investigators are committed to uncovering the full scope of Zou’s predatory behavior and encouraging any victims to share their experiences.

In addition to the troubling nature of his crimes, Zou's actions included keeping personal items belonging to his victims, such as jewelry and clothing, which not only demonstrates his disregard for their autonomy but also raises concerns over the psychological impact on those he victimized. Such behavior often exacerbates the trauma experienced by survivors, leaving them feeling violated long after the physical assaults.

As the case continues to unfold, it is evident that the ramifications extend beyond Zou's imminent sentencing—scheduled for June 19, 2025. The concerns for victim safety and support systems highlight a pressing need for substantial measures to protect individuals from such predatory behavior in the future. Authorities are faced with a critical challenge; to ensure that all victims feel secure enough to report their experiences and that adequate resources are in place for their recovery.

As investigations proceed, the implications of Zou’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by many individuals, particularly young women, in social situations that leverage technology. The full impact of his crimes remains to be seen as new allegations continue to surface, and the legal proceedings evolve to handle the volume of reported cases. The courage shown by the women coming forward is pivotal in amplifying the importance of addressing sexual violence and the complexities surrounding victim support.