PhD student at USC taken into custody for drugging and assaulting several women

Chinese Medical Student Arrested for Drugging and Raping Women

A Chinese man enrolled in a medical doctorate program in California has been apprehended on charges of drugging and assaulting multiple women. Authorities suggest there could be additional victims.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office reported on Wednesday that 30-year-old Shize Wen was arrested and charged with raping at least three women, engaging in what they describe as unsettling behavior, including tampering with their food and beverages.

These alleged incidents reportedly took place between 2021 and 2024 while Wen was studying at the University of Southern California.

Investigators believe there may be more victims beyond those known, with mentions that Wen’s actions might extend internationally. Law enforcement in Los Angeles stated they originally received a tip about Wen back in January from German authorities, who suspect he could be linked to similar assaults occurring in Europe.

Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton of the Los Angeles Police Department emphasized that anyone who may have interacted with Wen should come forward, revealing an eagerness for more information on his activities.

At the time of the alleged offenses, Wen was in the U.S. on a student visa. Following his arrest in August, police searched his home in the Los Angeles area. On September 2, he was formally charged with a felony for forcible rape using a controlled substance or anesthesia.

The specific drugs Wen is accused of using remain unspecified, although they are reportedly similar to substances like Roofies.

It’s still not clear when the alleged incident occurred in Germany or if any charges have been pressed against him there.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman stated, “No one should have to endure the trauma of being drugged, sexually assaulted and stripped of their capacity to consent.”