A serial rapist from South London who drugged his victims and concealed cameras in everyday objects is due to be sentenced for a catalogue of sexual crimes.
A Pattern of Predatory Behaviour
Chao Xu, a 33-year-old Chinese national from Greenwich, entered guilty pleas to 24 separate sexual offences at Woolwich Crown Court in August. His crimes, which took place between February 2022 and June 2025, include four counts of rape, eight counts of assault by penetration, and four counts of sexual assault.
The Metropolitan Police first became aware of Xu's actions after a networking event he hosted at his Greenwich address in June. He invited a woman who felt unwell to recover at his flat, where he then raped her on multiple occasions. Subsequent police investigation revealed he had given her drugs known to cause drowsiness and incapacitation.
Secret Cameras and Hundreds of Images
Officers discovered that Xu had planted hidden recording devices in several locations. One camera was found concealed inside an air freshener, while others were positioned in bathrooms. A search of his phone uncovered hundreds of intimate images and videos of women, all believed to have been taken without their knowledge or consent.
The court also heard details of his upskirting offences, where he operated equipment beneath the clothing of others without consent. He committed these acts at his workplace and at London Bridge Underground station.
Inevitable Lengthy Custodial Sentence
At the plea hearing in August, Recorder Simon Stirling told Xu that the "inevitable outcome is a lengthy custodial sentence" due to the sheer number and severity of the offences. Xu did plead not guilty to one count of sexual assault and one count of assault by penetration; however, the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to pursue a trial on these charges.
Chao Xu is scheduled to be sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court.
