A UK court has sentenced Chinese PhD student Zhenhao Zou to prison after finding him guilty of multiple drug-facilitated sexual assaults, concluding a high-profile case that has shocked academic and international communities.
Zou, a postgraduate chemistry student at a prominent British university, was convicted of lacing victims’ drinks with sedatives before carrying out sexual attacks. The court heard how Zou exploited his scientific knowledge to administer the substances undetected, targeting both acquaintances and strangers.
During sentencing, the judge described Zou’s actions as “predatory and calculated,” adding that the abuse of trust and scientific expertise intensified the gravity of his crimes. “Your conduct represents a chilling abuse of power and intellect,” the judge remarked.
The investigation, which spanned several months, involved digital evidence, toxicology reports, and testimonies from multiple victims. Authorities uncovered disturbing video recordings on Zou’s devices, some of which documented unconscious victims.
The case has sparked widespread debate about student screening, university safeguarding protocols, and international student accountability. British police and university officials emphasized their commitment to supporting the victims and preventing future incidents.
Zou’s sentencing serves as a warning, experts say, about the intersection of academic privilege and criminal misuse of knowledge. The length of the prison term and any possible deportation after serving the sentence were not immediately disclosed.