Zhenhao Zou: The UK's Most Prolific Serial Rapist

Content Warning: This episode discusses sexual violence and drug-facilitated assault. Listener discretion is advised. Zhenhao Zou appeared to be just another PhD student at University College London—until investigators exposed him as one of the most prolific sexual predators in British history. But beneath the surface, he was hiding a horrifying secret. Between 2019 and 2023, Zou preyed on women—primarily Chinese and East Asian—through social media and dating apps, luring them in under false pretenses. Behind the glow of his academic achievements and even post-plastic surgery, he was a deeply disturbed predator. Zou’s obsession with ‘stop-action’ pornography—where unconscious women are assaulted—wasn’t just a sick fantasy. He made it a reality. When two women bravely came forward in late 2023, investigators uncovered a nightmare hidden in his luxury flat—date rape drugs, hidden cameras, and over 1,200 videos. This sickening discovery suggests that Zou may have had more than 50 victims, many of whom still don’t know what happened to them in his high-rise London flat. So how did he get away with it for so long? And what finally led to his downfall? We’re breaking it all down in this episode—trust us, you won’t want to miss this one. **Make sure to tune in on Friday for our interview with Marie McKenzie, a S.A.N.E (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) who walks us through the post-sexual assault process to help survivors find healing and empowerment. Resources: UK Resources: Rape Crisis England & Wales – https://rapecrisis.org.uk | 24/7 Helpline: 0808 500 2222 Scottish Women’s Aid – https://womensaid.scot Victim Support UK – https://www.victimsupport.org.uk | Supportline: 08 08 16 89 111 International Resources: RAINN (U.S.) – https://www.rainn.org | National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673) End Violence Against Women International – https://evawintl.org The Survivors Trust (UK & International Support) – https://thesurvivorstrust.org Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast).  Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST. Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff (bltzwolff@gmail.com). ​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.  References: BBC News. (2025, March 5). Zhenhao Zou: PhD student jailed for filming attacks on women. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8rkj8k6my8o Cox, C. (2025, March 6). A timeline of the crimes, inves