London Businessman Pleads Guilty to 24 Sexual Offences Involving Hidden Cameras and Drugging Victims
Published 29 August 2025
Highlights
- Chao Xu, 33, pleaded guilty to 24 sexual offences against six women, including rape and voyeurism, at Woolwich Crown Court.
- Xu used hidden cameras and drugs to incapacitate and assault women, with evidence suggesting his crimes may be more extensive.
- The Metropolitan Police are urging potential victims to come forward as they continue to investigate the full scope of Xu's offences.
- Xu's crimes were uncovered after a victim reported being raped multiple times following a networking event at his home in Greenwich.
- The court is set to sentence Xu on 14 November, with a lengthy custodial sentence expected.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: London Businessman Pleads Guilty to 24 Sexual Offences Involving Hidden Cameras and Drugging Victims
In a chilling case that has sent shockwaves through London, Chao Xu, a 33-year-old businessman, has admitted to a series of sexual offences involving six women. Xu, who appeared at Woolwich Crown Court, pleaded guilty to 24 charges, including rape, sexual assault, and voyeurism. His crimes, which spanned over three years, were facilitated by the use of hidden cameras and drugs to incapacitate his victims.
A Calculated Offender
Xu, who has lived in the UK since 2013, orchestrated his crimes during networking events at his home in Greenwich, south-east London. He would drug women, rendering them unconscious and vulnerable, before assaulting them. The Metropolitan Police discovered hidden cameras in various locations within his home, including inside an air freshener and bathrooms. Hundreds of intimate images and videos were found on his phone, believed to have been taken without consent.
Uncovering the Crimes
The investigation into Xu's activities began after a victim reported being raped multiple times following a June networking event. Police believe Xu's offences could be far more extensive, with potential victims yet to be identified. Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Sanderson described Xu as a "calculated prolific sex offender" who preyed on unsuspecting women using cowardly methods.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Xu's guilty plea includes four counts of rape, eight counts of assault by penetration, and four counts of voyeurism, among other charges. The court heard that Xu used cameras at a workplace and London Bridge Underground Station for upskirting offences. Recorder Simon Stirling indicated that Xu faces a lengthy custodial sentence, with sentencing scheduled for 14 November.
Ongoing Investigation
The Metropolitan Police continue to investigate the full extent of Xu's crimes, urging any potential victims to come forward. The case bears similarities to that of Zhenhao Zou, another serial rapist, although no direct link has been established. Authorities are also liaising with counterparts in China for further information on Xu's background.
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Scenario Analysis
As the investigation into Chao Xu's crimes continues, the Metropolitan Police are focused on identifying additional victims and gathering further evidence. The case highlights the challenges of uncovering crimes involving hidden cameras and drugging, emphasizing the need for vigilance and awareness at social gatherings. Xu's sentencing on 14 November is expected to result in a significant prison term, serving as a deterrent to similar offences. The case may also prompt discussions on improving safety measures and support systems for victims of such crimes.
In a chilling case that has sent shockwaves through London, Chao Xu, a 33-year-old businessman, has admitted to a series of sexual offences involving six women. Xu, who appeared at Woolwich Crown Court, pleaded guilty to 24 charges, including rape, sexual assault, and voyeurism. His crimes, which spanned over three years, were facilitated by the use of hidden cameras and drugs to incapacitate his victims.
A Calculated Offender
Xu, who has lived in the UK since 2013, orchestrated his crimes during networking events at his home in Greenwich, south-east London. He would drug women, rendering them unconscious and vulnerable, before assaulting them. The Metropolitan Police discovered hidden cameras in various locations within his home, including inside an air freshener and bathrooms. Hundreds of intimate images and videos were found on his phone, believed to have been taken without consent.
Uncovering the Crimes
The investigation into Xu's activities began after a victim reported being raped multiple times following a June networking event. Police believe Xu's offences could be far more extensive, with potential victims yet to be identified. Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Sanderson described Xu as a "calculated prolific sex offender" who preyed on unsuspecting women using cowardly methods.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Xu's guilty plea includes four counts of rape, eight counts of assault by penetration, and four counts of voyeurism, among other charges. The court heard that Xu used cameras at a workplace and London Bridge Underground Station for upskirting offences. Recorder Simon Stirling indicated that Xu faces a lengthy custodial sentence, with sentencing scheduled for 14 November.
Ongoing Investigation
The Metropolitan Police continue to investigate the full extent of Xu's crimes, urging any potential victims to come forward. The case bears similarities to that of Zhenhao Zou, another serial rapist, although no direct link has been established. Authorities are also liaising with counterparts in China for further information on Xu's background.
What this might mean
As the investigation into Chao Xu's crimes continues, the Metropolitan Police are focused on identifying additional victims and gathering further evidence. The case highlights the challenges of uncovering crimes involving hidden cameras and drugging, emphasizing the need for vigilance and awareness at social gatherings. Xu's sentencing on 14 November is expected to result in a significant prison term, serving as a deterrent to similar offences. The case may also prompt discussions on improving safety measures and support systems for victims of such crimes.
