'Incredibly dangerous' sex offender jailed - as police say there could be hundreds more victims

Key Concepts:

• Sexual predator
• Rape and sexual assaults
• Drugging victims
• Filming without consent
• Hidden cameras
• Upskirting
• Date rape drug (GHB)
• "Spring of life" concoction
• Covert recording systems
• Betrayal of trust
• Police investigation and appeal for witnesses

Summary:

This report details the apprehension and conviction of Shiaoju, a 33-year-old Chinese national from Southeast London, who has been found guilty of 24 offenses related to a four-year campaign of rape and sexual assaults. His crimes involved drugging and filming six women without their consent. Shiaoju is facing a life sentence with a minimum of 14 years imprisonment and is considered one of the worst sexual offenders.

Details of Crimes and Methodology:

• Method of Incapacitation: Shiaoju used a mixture he called "spring of life," a combination of alcohols and Chinese herbal medicines, along with the date rape drug GHB, to incapacitate his victims.
• Covert Recording: He extensively used hidden cameras to record his assaults. Evidence found included a tiny camera concealed within an air freshener and another device hidden in speakers. These devices were set up in his flat.
• Upskirting: In addition to the assaults, police discovered thousands of upskirting images on his devices, taken at a workplace and at London Bridge Underground Station.
• Predatory Behavior: The judge described Shiaoju's behavior as "calculated and planned," highlighting the covert recording systems and the drugging of victims. He "betrayed the trust of a number of women who you befriended in the most appalling ways imaginable."

Investigation and Appeal:

• Discovery: The investigation was initiated after a victim reported being drugged and raped following a networking event at Shiaoju's home in June.
• Police Appeal: Authorities are actively appealing for witnesses and potential victims to come forward, as they fear Shiaoju may have hundreds more victims. They assure potential victims that they "will be listened to, you will be believed, and you will be supported."
• Ongoing Investigation: While Shiaoju has been stopped, investigations into his crimes are reportedly "gathering speed."

Conclusion:

Shiaoju's conviction marks the end of a significant period of predatory sexual offending. The case highlights the sophisticated methods used by the offender, including drugging and extensive covert recording, and underscores the importance of victim reporting and ongoing police investigations to identify all potential victims. The report emphasizes the lasting harm caused to victims and the relief that the perpetrator will no longer be free to offend.