UK’s Most Shocking Sex Offence Case: Chinese National Sentenced to Life, With Hundreds of Victims Feared.
A Greenwich man described as one of the most prolific sexual offenders ever investigated by the Metropolitan Police has been sentenced to life imprisonment, as officers warn there may be hundreds more victims across the UK and China.
A Life Sentence That Reveals Only the Surface
Chao Xu, 33, a Chinese national residing on Glaisher Street in Greenwich, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years after pleading guilty to 24 charges involving six women. He will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
The charges include rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, voyeurism, upskirting and administering substances with intent. Police describe the case as one of the most extensive patterns of sexual offending they have ever uncovered.
Two additional counts relating to a seventh victim will remain on file.
A Carefully Constructed Double Life
Investigators say Xu used his university and professional networks to cultivate trust, repeatedly hosting “networking events” at his Greenwich home. Detectives believe these events served as a cover for his offending.
During these gatherings, Xu supplied alcohol and a homemade cocktail he called the “Spring of Life”, a mixture of various spirits and Chinese herbal substances intended to intoxicate and incapacitate guests.
One victim, after consuming drinks at one such event, lost consciousness and awoke to find Xu filming her. She immediately contacted emergency services. Police arrived within 12 minutes and arrested Xu on site.
A Digital Trail of Unprecedented Scale
The search of Xu’s property uncovered multiple covert cameras in his bathroom, bedroom, and wardrobe, along with thousands of images and videos, many depicting unconscious women. Officers also recovered substances believed to have been used to drug victims.
The digital forensic investigation has become one of the largest in Metropolitan Police history, involving:
- Approximately 6 million WeChat messages
- Thousands of images and videos
- Extensive browser history
- Material linked to locations in both the UK and China
Detectives have so far identified seven victims of serious sexual assault, with three located and receiving specialist support. Four remain unidentified. Police believe there may be hundreds more victims, including those targeted through voyeurism, upskirting and contact offences.
Since the Met launched its public appeal in August, 11 additional women have come forward.
Police and CPS Statements
Detective Superintendent Lewis Sanderson described Xu as “among the most dangerous and prolific sexual offenders we have ever encountered” and praised the courage of victims who came forward.
He emphasised that the investigation remains ongoing and encouraged potential victims to make contact, noting:
“You will be treated with empathy, kindness, and respect.”
Suzanne Crane of the Crown Prosecution Service said that Xu drugged women to enable sexual assault and that the strength of evidence—including hidden cameras and footage—secured his guilty pleas.
Ongoing Appeal for Information
The Metropolitan Police continue to appeal for anyone who may have interacted with Xu at his property, through networking events, or within academic or professional settings in the UK or China.
Reports can be submitted via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP).
