Chao Xu Convicted of Multiple Sexual Offences After Drugging and Assaulting Women

Chao Xu, a 33-year-old man from China, has faced conviction on multiple serious charges, amounting to 24 offences against women. Among these are four counts of rape, eight counts of assault by penetration, and four counts of sexual assault, which victims say occurred over a two-and-a-half-year period. He admitted to targeting six identifiable victims, two of whom remain unnamed. Xu's other admissions include administering a drug to incapacitate women and engaging in voyeurism, with evidence emphasizing his calculated nature in the acts he perpetrated.

Xu, a former post-graduate student at the University of Greenwich and once a recruitment business operator, appeared in court at Woolwich Crown Court dressed in a black jacket and grey top. His criminal actions included two counts of upskirting, with one incident occurring at London Bridge station in September 2023. The Metropolitan Police are actively seeking further information from survivors, having discovered numerous explicit images and videos stored on Xu’s phone.

The investigation began after an incident earlier this year, when a woman attending a networking event at Xu's residence fell ill. He offered her shelter to recover but subsequently raped her on multiple occasions while using drugs to render her drowsy. Authorities uncovered hidden cameras within his home, including devices disguised as air fresheners. Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Sanderson, overseeing the inquiry, described Xu as a manipulative offender who used despicable tactics to exploit unsuspecting victims, indicating that the investigation continues to process substantial evidence to identify other potential victims.

Prosecutors noted the unsettling nature of the evidence collected against Xu, which includes disturbing footage and drugs typically associated with spiking incidents. Crown Prosecution Service representative Suzanne Crane highlighted Xu's methodical approach in rendering his victims vulnerable, emphasizing the importance of the courageous testimonies from victims that helped bring his crimes to light. Xu, while denying certain charges, has submitted a plea on the bulk of the counts, resulting in a probable lengthy prison sentence. The case is set for sentencing on 14 October at Woolwich Crown Court, with authorities encouraging anyone with relevant information or who may have been victimized to step forward.