A Chinese PhD student has been sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 24 years, for committing a string of horrific sexual offences against women in both the UK and China. The court found that the man, who was living in south-east London, raped 10 women between September 2019 and May 2023. Three of the victims were assaulted in London, while the remaining seven incidents occurred in China.
Only three of the ten women have so far been identified, but detectives fear there could be many more victims. Since the conclusion of the trial, 24 additional women have come forward, prompting ongoing investigations.
During sentencing, the presiding judge described the defendant as a “very bright young man” who used a manipulative and charming persona to disguise his true nature as a sexual predator. The judge said he had “planned and executed a campaign of rape,” treating his victims with cruelty and complete disregard for their autonomy, describing the women as being reduced to “sex toys” for his gratification.
The man was found guilty of 11 counts of rape, two of which related to a single victim. In addition, he was convicted of voyeurism, possession of extreme pornographic material, false imprisonment, and possession of controlled drugs with the intent to facilitate sexual assault.
Disturbingly, the defendant filmed nine of the assaults and kept a “trophy box” containing items belonging to his victims. Many of the women were drugged or otherwise rendered unconscious before the attacks. The court was shown footage of these incidents, which reportedly left members of the jury and courtroom in tears due to their harrowing nature.
Victim impact statements read in court highlighted the severe psychological and emotional toll of the assaults. One woman recounted being forced to consume excessive alcohol before being trapped in the man’s flat and assaulted. Another survivor described the trauma of waking up and realizing what had happened while she was unconscious, calling it a wound “etched into her soul.”
Investigators said the offender was among the most prolific sexual predators they had encountered. The sentencing judge warned that he posed a “high level of danger” and showed no understanding of consent, emphasizing that he represented a risk to women for an indefinite period.
Authorities have renewed their appeal to other possible victims, urging them to come forward. Investigators have assured the public that anyone who steps forward will be treated with compassion and respect. The case remains open as new allegations are assessed.
