J,
You might consider this as it happens more often in companies than we know. Suppose a dishonest person started working for a company and began embezzling money. The company didn't catch on right away, and some problems occurred which affected the payroll, customers' awareness of problems within the company, and the company reputation. If that happened within a company, it (1) would not tell you the entire story, (2) be constrained by legal issues so it couldn't tell anyone, and (3) have financial troubles until it could recover, since it probably would never recover the money.
I'm not saying that this happens to any real company that you or I have ever done business with, and I'm not smearing any company. I'm just saying that sometimes things aren't the fault of the person who appears to be at fault.
Now as to why you still don't have your money. . . . perhaps they're trying.
I could be right, or your suspicions could be right.
I haven't had any problems with that particular company. I've learned not to be quick to jump to conclusions even though I have a suspicious nature myself.
Food for thought.