Detectives investigating convicted rapist Zhenhao Zou, who drugged and raped 10 women in London and China, say they have uncovered evidence linking him to more alleged offences.
The 29-year-old Chinese PHD student was last year jailed for life with a minimum term of 24 years after he was convicted of 11 counts of rape, with two of the offences relating to one victim.
Zou was also convicted of three counts of voyeurism, 10 of possession of an extreme pornographic image, one of false imprisonment and three of possession of a controlled drug with intent to commit a sexual offence, namely butanediol.
He kept a trophy box of women’s belongings and filmed nine of the rapes on women as they lost consciousness.
The Metropolitan Police said on Monday that detectives have submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), following reports made by a number of women who came forward after a public appeal.
The file submitted to the CPS contains evidence relating to several alleged offences, including rape and administering a substance with intent to commit a sexual offence.
It also relates to reports made by five women who contacted police following the appeal, as well as two further alleged offences of rape involving two women who remain unidentified.
Police said a charging decision has not been made in relation to any further offences and detectives continue to liaise with the CPS as prosecutors consider the evidence.
Separate enquiries remain ongoing into allegations involving women who were allegedly sexually assaulted in China.
Detective chief superintendent Angela Craggs, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “I would like to thank the women who have come forward and spoken to our officers since our appeal.
“We recognise how difficult it can be to report offences of this nature and every woman who has contacted us has shown considerable courage.
“The submission of this file of evidence marks a significant step in our investigation. While we await a decision from the CPS in relation to allegations concerning women in the UK, our enquiries remain ongoing.”
She continued: “We remain committed to supporting victim-survivors and pursuing all available lines of enquiry.
“I would encourage anyone who believes they may have been affected, or anyone with information that could assist our investigation, to contact us.
“Every report will be treated seriously, handled with care and sensitivity, and investigated thoroughly by specially trained officers.”
Reports can be made by emailing [email protected] or by calling 101, quoting CAD1258/04SEP26.
