Chinese Men in Germany Accused of Drugging and Sexually Assaulting Victims, Sharing Images in Online Group

BERLIN, July 8 (CNA) -- Several Chinese nationals residing in Germany have been accused of drugging and sexually assaulting Chinese women in multiple German cities over several years. They allegedly shared images and even live-streamed these acts within a Telegram group. The perpetrators have been arrested one after another, and recent trials and sentencing have brought renewed attention to the case.

According to reports from the BBC Chinese Service, Deutsche Welle (DW), and other media outlets, the main perpetrator in this case involving sexual assault of Chinese women in Germany is named Zhang Dapeng, who was arrested in Frankfurt in November 2024. During the investigation, the police followed leads and identified other involved members.

It is understood that Zhang Dapeng and seven other primarily Chinese men formed a Telegram group called "German Old Drivers Driving School." Members shared experiences and methods of drugging and sexually assaulting women. They also filmed and saved images during the commission of the crimes, disseminated them within the group, and even conducted live streams.

Their targets were mainly Chinese women in Germany, including partners, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and strangers. In one case, at least 10 women were victimized.

Most of the victims only learned they had been assaulted after being contacted by German police seeking assistance with the investigation.

The BBC Chinese Service learned that this "driving school" group used a set of "code words." Members referred to themselves as "drivers," sexual assault as "driving" or "operating," and drugging as "adding fuel." The victimized women were referred to as "private cars," "wild cars," or "luxury cars" based on their relationship with the perpetrators or their appearance.

The core administrator of the group, Zhang Dapeng, 43, was an IT manager at a car company at the time of the incidents. According to court documents, Zhang Dapeng had "narcissistic personality traits" and felt he was "above the police."

His criminal activities can be traced back to 2021. Initially, he targeted acquaintances. Starting in 2024, he began impersonating women on social media platforms like Xiaohongshu or WeChat, or using the excuse of checking apartments for his girlfriend, to drug and assault unfamiliar women.

Besides Zhang Dapeng, almost all core members were Chinese international students.

One member, Tong Z., originally from Chengdu, China, was 25 years old at the time of the incidents and was studying mechanical engineering in Berlin. Court documents indicate that Tong Z. had clear misogynistic tendencies and had told Zhang Dapeng that he had seen online that 80% of women do not speak out after being raped.

Another group member, Jiang Zhongyi, was arrested in December 2024. At the time, he was a master's student at the Technical University of Munich and was accused of repeatedly drugging and sexually assaulting his neighbors. The judge presiding over Jiang Zhongyi's case stated that the level of misogyny displayed in the related videos shocked even experienced criminal investigators.

Member Zhiting S., who has a medical background, is believed to have provided advice on drugging within the group. He is accused of involvement in aggravated rape, dangerous bodily harm, and sexual assault, among other charges.

According to the BBC Chinese Service and Deutsche Welle, three members have so far been sentenced by German courts to prison terms ranging from 5 years and 9 months to 14 years. Another individual died by suicide, one is currently on trial in Berlin, one has been indicted by prosecutors in Los Angeles, USA, and information on two others has not been disclosed.

This series of cases involves issues of gender-based violence, women's safety, systematic crime, and the overseas Chinese and international student communities, sparking significant attention and extensive discussion. The perpetrators' high educational backgrounds and so-called "elite status" have also become a hot topic of debate.

Some victims have stated they often cry and suffer from insomnia, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and lack of energy. They constantly worry whether the defendants have shared their photos and videos online.

Lawyer Magdalena Gebhard stated that her client is a victim of Tong Z.'s drugging case. Due to being drugged, her client has no memory of the events and was deeply traumatized upon learning the truth.

Gebhard revealed that even though her client is gradually recovering from the shock after Tong Z. was sentenced to 5 years and 9 months, she still suffers from sleep disorders and frequently has uncontrollable flashbacks of the incident. (Editor: Yang Zhaoyan) 1150708

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