Northern Ireland’s police chief has reached out to students who may have concerns regarding Zhenhao Zou, a convicted serial rapist who previously studied at Queen’s University Belfast for two years. The chief constable, Jon Boutcher, revealed that they were unable to speak during Zou’s trial due to fears that he may have drugged and attacked over 50 women in London.

Zou, now 28 years old, was found guilty at Inner London Crown Court of raping 10 different women in the UK and China. He moved to Northern Ireland at the age of 20 to study mechanical engineering at Queen’s University between 2017 and 2019 before moving to London for his master’s degree. However, he returned to China in 2020 due to Covid restrictions.

Although there is no evidence of offenses in Northern Ireland, the PSNI is urging individuals to come forward if they have any concerns. The nature of the case is such that many victims may not even realize they have been victimized. Zou would meet women socially or through social media, lure them back to his apartment, and sexually assault them after giving them drinks laced with drugs.

With increased publicity now that Zou’s trial is over, Boutcher encourages anyone who may have information or concerns to come forward. Specially trained detectives are available to support anyone who needs it. Zou, described as “devious and machiavellian,” is set to be sentenced on June 19.

Queen’s University has been in contact with both the Metropolitan Police and the PSNI in relation to this case.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/07/ni-police-chief-appeals-to-students-over-serial-rapist-zhenhao-zou