A Chinese national convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women in London and his home country could be charged with additional offences following the emergence of new evidence involving seven further victims.
Zhenhao Zou, formerly residing in the Elephant and Castle area, is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum custodial term of 24 years after being found guilty of raping ten women across the two countries.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police Service have forwarded a case file to the Crown Prosecution Service after a number of women made contact following an appeal for potential victim-survivors to come forward.
The appeal was launched after investigators identified evidence indicating other individuals may have been subjected to similar crimes.
The evidence package submitted to prosecutors contains material pertaining to multiple alleged offences, including rape and the administration of substances with intent to commit sexual crimes.
This documentation covers allegations from five women who approached police in response to the public appeal, along with two additional alleged rape offences involving two women who have not yet been identified.
Legal proceedings regarding the original convictions have concluded, prompting investigators to appeal for further victims to make contact as examination of the evidence continued.
Prosecutors are currently reviewing the submitted material as discussions between detectives and the CPS remain active.
Parallel investigations continue into allegations concerning women in China who may have been sexually assaulted by Zou.
Officers are pursuing all potential investigative avenues and are working through formal international legal channels to secure additional evidence.
Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Craggs, who heads the team conducting the investigation, expressed gratitude to those who responded to the appeal.
She acknowledged the challenges faced by individuals reporting such crimes and noted the bravery demonstrated by everyone who had contacted police.
The submission of the evidence file was described as representing substantial progress in the investigation.
While the CPS considers the material relating to allegations in the United Kingdom, police stated that enquiries would continue.
Investigators affirmed their dedication to supporting victim-survivors and exploring every possible line of inquiry.
Anyone who believes they may have experienced similar crimes, or who possesses information relevant to the investigation, was invited to make contact.
Police emphasised that all reports would be assessed seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated thoroughly by officers with specialist training.