Prolific Serial Rapist Jailed for Life After Drugging and Filming Victims

In a shocking case, a serial rapist suspected of being one of the UK's worst sex offenders has been jailed for life with a 14-year minimum sentence. Chao Xu, a 33-year-old Chinese national, was convicted of a series of sexual offenses after placing hidden cameras in his home, workplace, and even public spaces to spy on and record the abuse of his victims.

Xu, who came to the UK in 2016 to study law, had targeted young Chinese students and regularly hosted networking events that he used as a cover to carry out his "calculated" crimes. The Metropolitan Police believe he may have "hundreds more" unidentified victims and have urged any women who had contact with Xu to come forward.

The court heard how Xu would drug his victims, often by adding substances to a drink he called the "Spring of Life," before sexually assaulting them. Forensic analysis found that he had used GHB, a common "date rape drug," and Scopolamine, a prescription drug that can cause amnesia and severe tiredness, to incapacitate his victims.

Xu's crimes were uncovered after one of his victims contacted the police, leading to the discovery of "deeply disturbing material" on his devices, including hundreds of images taken on the London Underground of him "upskirting" unsuspecting women. The judge described Xu as an "incredibly dangerous man" who "took great enjoyment" from his offending.