ZAB v Persons Unknown [2026] EWHC 669 (KB) (19 March 2026)

ZAB v Persons Unknown [2026] EWHC 669 (KB) (19 March 2026)

Continuation of interim injunction, retrospective alternative service, abridgement of time for service, and continued anonymity are necessary and justified due to ongoing risk to confidential information, affected individuals, and deliberate non-engagement by defendant. Derogations from open justice are strictly necessary to protect interests of justice and prevent encouragement of blackmail.

Citation
[2026] EWHC 669 (KB)
Parties
Claimant: ZAB; Defendant: Persons Unknown
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
19 March 2026
Procedural Posture
Civil Interim Injunction / Return Date Hearing Following Without Notice Interim Injunction
Outcome
Interim injunction continued; retrospective permission for alternative service granted; time for service abridged; anonymity continued; directions granted.
Legal Topics
Ransomware, Breach of Confidence, Alternative Service, Anonymity Orders, Open Justice, Directions to Conclude Claim
Civil Procedure Privacy Data Protection Injunctions Ransomware Breach of Confidence Alternative Service Anonymity Orders +2 more

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Parties

ZAB

Claimant

Persons Unknown

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Interim Injunction / Return Date Hearing Following Without Notice Interim Injunction

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether to continue interim injunction restraining use/disclosure of exfiltrated confidential information
  2. 2 Whether to grant retrospective permission for alternative service
  3. 3 Whether to abridge time for service of application notice

Ratio Decidendi

Continuation of interim injunction, retrospective alternative service, abridgement of time for service, and continued anonymity are necessary and justified due to ongoing risk to confidential information, affected individuals, and deliberate non-engagement by defendant. Derogations from open justice are strictly necessary to protect interests of justice and prevent encouragement of blackmail.

Court Disposition

Interim injunction continued; retrospective permission for alternative service granted; time for service abridged; anonymity continued; directions granted.

Orders

  • Defendant restrained from using, publishing, communicating, or disclosing exfiltrated confidential information.
  • Defendant required to deliver up, delete, or destroy information and provide witness statement.