Student Predator: Surviving Zhenhao Zou
Aug 27, 2025•28 min
Listen to this episode in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Summary
The podcast investigates the shocking case of Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese student convicted of multiple rapes in the UK and China, dubbed one of Britain’s most prolific sexual predators. It features the harrowing testimony of "Rachel," one of Zou’s victims, describing how she was drugged and assaulted. The episode also highlights the crucial support provided by a volunteer translator, Lily Sun, who helped Chinese victims report their crimes, revealing the immense cultural and linguistic barriers survivors faced while showcasing the resilience and collective strength of women supporting each other.Episode description
Earlier this year, Chinese student Zhenhao Zou was jailed for 24 years for drugging and raping ten women in the UK and China. He has been described by police as one of Britain’s “most prolific sexual predators”. After his trial, detectives said they feared he may have attacked 50 more women – many of whom are yet to be identified. Following connections on Chinese social media, reporter Wanqing Zhang from the BBC’s Global China Unit has been speaking exclusively to several of Zou’s victims, and a translator who has helped them, revealing shocking details about his crimes.
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android