A Chinese national described by British police as one of the most prolific sex offenders in modern times has been sentenced to life in prison in the United Kingdom.
The convict, 33-year-old Chao Xu, received the sentence on Friday after pleading guilty to 24 sexual offences committed over a three-year period.
The crimes included rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, upskirting and voyeurism.
The sentencing took place at Woolwich Crown Court in London. The court ruled that Xu must serve a minimum of 14 years before being considered for parole.
The Metropolitan Police said Xu used his job hosting business events for a university to gain access to women.
According to investigators, he drugged many of his victims before attacking them.
Police disclosed that Xu recorded his assaults with hidden cameras placed around his flat.
Officers also found videos showing him secretly filming individuals in public, including at the busy London Bridge Underground station. Detectives confirmed that they had identified seven victims of serious sexual assault.
However, they warned that the scale of his voyeurism suggests hundreds of potential victims remain unknown.
Acting Detective Superintendent Lewis Sanderson described the case as shocking and disturbing.
He said the volume of evidence and the number of recorded offences made Xu one of the most prolific offenders the force had encountered.
He stressed that the investigation revealed a clear pattern of predatory behaviour, manipulation and careful planning.
Police added that the discovery of Xu’s video archives showed his offending extended far beyond the confirmed victims.
They urged anyone who suspects they may have been recorded or assaulted to come forward.
Officers also highlighted that Xu operated with confidence because he believed he would not be caught.
Detectives credited the successful prosecution to careful digital analysis and the courage of victims who agreed to testify.
Authorities said the sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences and the lasting trauma inflicted on the victims.
They also emphasised that the ruling sends a strong message that such crimes will be met with the strictest punishment under UK law.
Prosecutors said the life sentence offers some measure of justice to those affected and assures the public that a dangerous offender has been removed from society.
The case has drawn public attention in Britain due to its scope and the level of planning behind the assaults.
Campaigners say the ruling highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards for women in universities and public spaces.
British authorities encouraged institutions to tighten security around events and improve support systems for vulnerable individuals.