In a chilling case that has shocked the United Kingdom, Chao Xu, a 33-year-old man from Greenwich, southeast London, has pleaded guilty to 24 sexual offenses against at least 12 victims. The offenses, which spanned from February 2022 to June 2025, were revealed in a plea and trial preparation hearing at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, August 29, 2025.
Xu, originally from China and believed to have resided in the UK since 2013, admitted to a range of heinous crimes, including rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, voyeurism, administering substances with intent, and operating equipment beneath clothing without consent, commonly referred to as upskirting. The case came to light following a networking event Xu hosted in June 2025, where he drugged and assaulted a woman, leading to his arrest and the discovery of hidden cameras, including one concealed in an air freshener, and a trove of illicit images and videos.
The Crimes and Modus Operandi
Chao Xu’s criminal activities were marked by a calculated and predatory approach that exploited trust and vulnerability. Over the course of three years, Xu targeted at least 12 women, though authorities suspect the number of victims may be higher due to the extent of evidence uncovered. His offenses included four counts of rape, eight counts of assault by penetration, four counts of sexual assault, four counts of voyeurism, two counts of administering a substance with intent, and two counts of operating equipment beneath clothing without consent.
These charges reflect a pattern of deliberate and systematic abuse, with Chao Xu using drugs to incapacitate his victims and hidden cameras to record his crimes without their knowledge. The investigation began after a pivotal incident in June 2025, when Xu hosted a networking event at one of his properties in Greenwich. During the event, a woman became unwell, and Xu offered her a place to rest in his flat.
Unbeknownst to her, Chao Xu had administered drugs known to cause drowsiness and incapacitation, rendering her vulnerable. He proceeded to rape her multiple times. This incident prompted police intervention, leading to Xu’s arrest and the uncovering of his broader criminal activities. Authorities discovered that Xu had installed hidden cameras in multiple locations, including an air freshener in his home, bathrooms, and even public spaces like London Bridge Underground station.
These devices were used to capture hundreds of intimate images and videos of women, most of which were filmed without consent. Chao Xu’s use of drugs to incapacitate his victims was a critical component of his modus operandi. Substances commonly used to spike drinks were found at his residence, corroborating the accounts of victims who reported feeling disoriented or unconscious during the assaults.
Aug 29: 🇨🇳 national Chao Xu, a former University of Greenwich post-graduate student who until recently ran a recruitment business + a calculated serial predator who drugged women and recorded his attacks on cameras hidden in an air freshener and a bathroom in his home, pleaded… pic.twitter.com/05VI0dLUJV
— Byron Wan (@Byron_Wan) August 30, 2025
The discovery of these substances, combined with the extensive collection of non-consensual recordings, painted a disturbing picture of a serial predator who meticulously planned his attacks. The Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the “overwhelming evidence” gathered, including the videos and images recovered from Chao Xu’s phone, which played a significant role in securing his guilty pleas.
Judicial Response and Sentencing Outlook
During the plea hearing at Woolwich Crown Court, Recorder Simon Stirling addressed Xu directly, stating, “You have pleaded guilty to a large number of offences for which the inevitable outcome is a lengthy custodial sentence.” This statement underscores the severity of Xu’s crimes and the judiciary’s intent to deliver a robust response.
Chao Xu pleaded guilty to 24 of the 26 charges he faced, with the remaining two charges—one count of sexual assault and one count of assault by penetration—not pursued by the Crown and ordered to lie on file. The judge ordered a psychological assessment to determine whether Xu qualifies as a “dangerous” offender under the sentencing act, a designation that could influence the length and conditions of his imprisonment.
Read : Janot-Curie High School Teacher Suspended for Holding Minute’s Silence for Gaza Victims
Chao Xu was remanded in custody pending his sentencing hearing, scheduled for November 14, 2025, at the same court. The psychological evaluation will play a crucial role in assessing the risk he poses to society, particularly given the premeditated nature of his crimes and the number of victims involved.
Suzanne Crane, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, described Chao Xu as a “serious danger to women,” highlighting the bravery of the victims whose testimonies were instrumental in bringing him to justice. Without their courage, Crane noted, Xu’s crimes might have continued undetected, potentially endangering more women.
The judicial response reflects a broader commitment to addressing sexual violence with the seriousness it demands. The case has drawn comparisons to other recent convictions of serial rapists in the UK, such as Zhenhao Zou, who was sentenced to 24 years for similar crimes involving drugging and filming victims. The court’s emphasis on a lengthy custodial sentence and the ongoing investigation into additional victims suggest a determination to ensure accountability and protect the public from such predators.
Ongoing Investigation and Victim Support
The Metropolitan Police, led by Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Sanderson, are continuing their investigation into Xu’s activities, suspecting that his offending may be more widespread than currently documented. The discovery of thousands of images and videos on Xu’s devices has prompted detectives to appeal for additional victims to come forward.
Sanderson described Chao Xu as a “calculated prolific sex offender” who used “cowardly methods” to prey on unsuspecting women. The police are meticulously reviewing the evidence to identify any further victims, emphasizing their commitment to seeking justice for all those affected.
The investigation has also highlighted the importance of victim support and public awareness. The Metropolitan Police have reassured potential victims that they will be listened to and supported, encouraging anyone with information about Chao Xu or who believes they may have been targeted to contact them. Specialist support services, including independent charities, are available to assist survivors, ensuring they have access to guidance and resources to navigate the aftermath of such traumatic experiences.
The case underscores the critical role of victim testimony in dismantling the secrecy that often surrounds sexual offenses. The bravery of those who came forward after realizing they had been victimized was pivotal in exposing Chao Xu’s crimes. Their accounts, combined with the physical evidence of hidden cameras and drugs, provided a robust foundation for the prosecution’s case. This collaborative effort between victims, police, and the Crown Prosecution Service serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of reporting such crimes, no matter how daunting the process may seem.
The ongoing investigation also raises questions about how such predatory behavior went undetected for over three years. Chao Xu’s ability to operate across multiple locations, including public spaces like London Bridge Underground station, suggests a level of audacity and sophistication that evaded immediate detection. This has prompted calls for increased vigilance and improved measures to prevent similar crimes, such as enhanced monitoring of public spaces and greater awareness of drink-spiking tactics.
Broader Implications and Public Safety
The case of Chao Xu is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist in everyday social settings, such as networking events, and the importance of safeguarding against predatory behavior. The use of hidden cameras in private and public spaces raises significant concerns about privacy and consent, prompting discussions about the need for stricter regulations on surveillance devices and their accessibility. The discovery of such devices in an air freshener and a public transport station highlights the insidious ways in which technology can be misused to violate personal boundaries.
Public reaction to the case has been one of outrage and sorrow, with many expressing solidarity with the victims and gratitude for their courage in coming forward. The case has also reignited conversations about the prevalence of drink-spiking and the need for better education and prevention strategies. Establishments hosting social events are being urged to implement stricter safety protocols, such as monitoring drinks and providing clear channels for reporting suspicious behavior.
Moreover, the case highlights the importance of cross-agency collaboration in tackling complex criminal investigations. The close partnership between the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service was instrumental in building a strong case against Xu, demonstrating the value of coordinated efforts in achieving justice. The ongoing appeal for additional victims to come forward reflects a proactive approach to ensuring that all instances of Xu’s offending are addressed, potentially preventing further harm.
As the sentencing date approaches, the focus remains on supporting the victims and ensuring that Chao Xu faces the full consequences of his actions. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the need for continued vigilance, robust legal responses, and comprehensive support systems for survivors of sexual violence. It also underscores the power of collective action, as the bravery of a few has brought a prolific offender to justice, potentially sparing countless others from similar harm.
In conclusion, Chao Xu’s guilty plea to 24 sexual offenses marks a significant step toward accountability for a series of egregious crimes. The use of hidden cameras, drugs, and calculated deception to exploit vulnerable women has left a profound impact on the victims and the wider community.
As the judicial process continues and the investigation expands, the case serves as both a warning and a call to action to strengthen protections against sexual predators and support those who have been affected. The courage of the victims, combined with the diligence of law enforcement, offers hope that justice will prevail, and that such atrocities will be met with the full force of the law.