Police appeal for more victims of “calculated and prolific sex offender” Chao Xu to come forward.
On Friday, Chao Xu pleaded guilty to 24 offences against six women over a period of three years.
Chao Xu was arrested in June after concealed cameras were found along with hundreds of intimate videos of women. The hidden cameras were found all over the property, with one hidden inside an air freshener.
Police believe his offending was widespread, and appealed for “any victim-survivors who have not yet been identified to come forward and seek specialist support.”
These crimes include four counts of rape, eight counts of assault by penetration, four counts of sexual assault, four counts of voyeurism, two counts of administering a substance with intent, and two counts of operating equipment beneath the clothing of another without consent (commonly known as upskirting).
The case bears an uncanny resemblance to two recent serial rapists Zhenhao Zou and Craig France. Zhenhao Zou, who drugged, raped and filmed several women in the UK and China, is now serving 24 years. Similarly, Craig France, whose arrest was depicted in Channel 4 docu-series 24 Hours in police custody, filmed himself raping several women.
Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Sanderson, who is leading the investigation, said: “Xu is a calculated prolific sex offender, who has preyed on unsuspecting women using cowardly methods – administering drugs to rape, sexually assault and take intimate images without consent.
“Our investigation is ongoing and we continue to examine the large amount of evidence we have collected, which will help identify any further potential victim-survivors.
“We’re also asking anyone who has any information about Xu or believes they may have been a victim, to come forward – you will be listened to. I want to reassure anyone impacted that you are not alone and can seek specialist support and guidance, not only from the police, but also from independent charities and services.”
