The Student Predator: The Case of Zhenhao Zou Artwork

Sinister South

Join Rachel and Hannah on the Sinister South Podcast as they explore the shadowy corners of South London. Each episode digs into the gritty true crime stories that have left their mark on the local streets of South London. They’ll introduce you to the victims and dissect the mysteries while giving you a taste of the places these dramas unfolded. It’s not all doom and gloom; Rach and Han also have plenty of nonsense to chat about! So whether you're a true crime buff or just curious about the darker tales from their neck of the woods, pull up a chair, tune in and join the mischief!

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Sinister South

The Student Predator: The Case of Zhenhao Zou

November 12, 2025 • Season 3 • Episode 11

A plausible-looking PhD student at University College London, living the student life — until the mask slipped. Zhenhao Zou invited women to his flat under the guise of study or drinks, used drugs to incapacitate them, then filmed the assaults.

In this episode, we trace how the investigation unfolded — dating apps, his flat in London, hidden cameras, SD cards full of footage. We dig into how trust was weaponised, how the predator hid in plain sight, and what that means for us who never expected this from someone who looked so normal.

And yes — we’ve got our usual back-and-forth banter (Rach vs Han, you know how it goes) sprinkled throughout. Brace yourselves for a dark ride.

Sources include:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g8dy38qxjo

https://www.cps.gov.uk/london-south/news/phd-student-given-life-sentence-raping-10-women

https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/R-v-Zhenhao-Zou.pdf

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jun/19/serial-rapist-zhenhao-zou-jailed-for-life

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c79l4z3v3p3o

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/mar/ucl-statement-following-criminal-conviction-zhenhao-zou

https://news.met.police.uk/news/met-detectives-thank-victim-survivors-who-have-come-forward-following-conviction-of-serial-rapist-zhenhao-zou-495737

https://www.psni.police.uk/latest-news/public-appeal-potential-victims-serial-rapist-zhenhao-zou

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/zhenhao-zou-rape-trial-inner-london-court-b2691147.html

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8rkj8k6my8o

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/05/zhenhao-zou-phd-student-who-filmed-attacks-on-women

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0lz8r9d

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynhard_Sinaga

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Produced and hosted by Hannah Williams & Rachel Baines
Mixed & edited by Purple Waves Sound (A.K.A Will)