‘Prolific’ Sex Offender Jailed for Life in Disturbing South London Case
A man described by detectives as potentially ‘one of the most prolific sex offenders of all time’ has been sentenced to life imprisonment for a horrifying catalogue of sexual crimes across South London. Chao Xu, a 33-year-old Chinese national from Greenwich, was handed the substantial sentence at Woolwich Crown Court after admitting to 24 separate offences.
A Calculated Predator and His Methods
Xu’s crimes, which took place between February 2022 and June 2025, included multiple counts of rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, voyeurism, and upskirting. The court heard how he used his position as the director of a recruitment business to host networking events for students from the University of Greenwich and King’s College London at his home in Glaisher Street, Deptford.
It was at these events that he would offer guests a drink he called ‘the spring of life’, which he had laced with stupefying agents. Forensic analysis on one victim confirmed the presence of GHB and the muscle relaxant scopolamine in her system, leaving her conscious but unable to move during the assault.
Acting Detective Superintendent Lewis Sanderson stated that Xu ‘operated in environments that were meant to be safe’, exploiting trust and social gatherings to target vulnerable individuals.
Hundreds of Victims and Covert Recording
While three victims of serious sexual assaults like rape have been identified, and police are seeking four more, the scale of his voyeurism is believed to be vast. Detectives fear the number of victims for these offences could be in the hundreds.
A search of his property revealed an extensive network of hidden cameras concealed inside everyday objects, including:
- An air freshener
- Women’s sanitary products
- A digital clock
- A speaker
- Under a wash basin
These cameras were placed not only in his flat but also at his WeWork office and in public spaces like London Bridge Underground station. On his phone, officers found ‘deeply disturbing’ point-of-view videos showing him raping and assaulting women who appeared to be unconscious or heavily incapacitated.
Prosecutor Catherine Farrelly KC revealed the videos showed the sexual abuse of at least 11 additional, unidentified women.
Appeal for Further Victims to Come Forward
Following an initial police appeal in August, 11 more women have contacted the authorities. The Metropolitan Police are now making a direct appeal to anyone who attended social events hosted by Chao Xu, was connected to his recruitment business, or has concerns about unexplained memory lapses after being in his company.
Detective Sergeant Marc Gadd emphasised that the police understand coming forward is difficult, but assured potential victims that ‘you are not alone, and your information could be vital’.
Xu, who had lived in the UK since 2016 and was granted a work visa in November 2023, was described by His Honour Judge Christopher Grout as an ‘incredibly dangerous man’ who took great enjoyment from his calculated and planned offending. Any potential deportation to China will be a matter for the Home Office.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Operation Kafka team via email at operation.kafka@met.police.uk or by phone on 02071753802.
