Cynthia Ezegwu
A Chinese national described by British police as “one of the most prolific sex offenders of all time” was sentenced to life imprisonment on Friday at Woolwich Crown Court in London.
Chao Xu, 33, pleaded guilty to 24 sexual offences committed over a three-year period, including rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, upskirting, and voyeurism. He is required to serve a minimum of 14 years before being eligible for parole, the Metropolitan Police said.
Police revealed that Xu exploited his position hosting business events for a university to drug and sexually assault women. He also secretly filmed his attacks using covert cameras installed throughout his flat.
Authorities said Xu recorded individuals without their consent in public locations, including London Bridge Underground station. While seven victims of serious assault have been identified, the Metropolitan Police indicated that the scale of offending is much larger, with potentially hundreds of additional victims of voyeurism.
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“We believe he is one of the most prolific sex offenders of all time,” said Acting Detective Superintendent Lewis Sanderson, highlighting the gravity and breadth of Xu’s crimes.
The sentencing marks a significant victory for law enforcement in addressing sexual offences and protecting the public from predatory behaviour.