A Chinese national described by British authorities as “one of the most prolific sex offenders of all time” has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the United Kingdom.
Chao Xu, 33, pleaded guilty to 24 sexual offences committed over a three-year period, including rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, voyeurism, and upskirting. The sentencing took place at the Woolwich Crown Court in London, where the ruling mandated a minimum jail term of 14 years.
According to the Metropolitan Police, Xu exploited his position as a host of business events for a university to drug unsuspecting women before assaulting them. Investigators discovered that he recorded the attacks using hidden cameras installed throughout his apartment.
Police also revealed that Xu covertly filmed unsuspecting individuals in public places, notably at the busy London Bridge Underground Station.
Authorities have identified seven victims of serious sexual assault. However, they believe the full scale of his offences is significantly larger, potentially involving hundreds of victims of voyeurism.
Lewis Sanderson, Acting Detective Superintendent, described Xu’s crimes as unprecedented.
“We believe he is one of the most prolific sex offenders of all time,” he said.
The case has sparked renewed calls in the UK for stronger measures against covert surveillance, sexual violence, and abuse of power.
