Why bother to make excuses in the first place? Why can't they just tell the truth (if this is really the truth)?
They've just deleted their Telegram group.
You never know if that's really the truth. If whatever this guy saying is legit, what is he doing to get his money? You could maybe try talking to him more and figure out a way. They're already tagged, there is not much forum can do. The only way of getting your money back is trying to stick with the people who are in the same position as you. On a side note, I don't think it's worth the efforts as they have given up on the project. Telegram group went down, the website will be next.