That's a LOT of money to invest in a non-running design. I had a friend years ago that invested close to $5000 USD in an effort to build a magnetic motor. I won't go into all of the details of it, but when it was finally completed and did not run, he called the inventor of the device who could offer no assistance other than suggesting that my friend must have departed from the precise schematics for the device and that this was the reason it would not work. My friend claimed he hadn't, but, ultimately had to be content with winding up with an expensive door stop for his shop! I think it later came out that the inventor never had a completed and working model of the device...only a schematic for a design that he thought might work.Spent $1200 - $1800 cash re-creating his blue drum with his encouragement.
I like to give people the benefit of the doubt when possible. However, before one goes ahead and invests thousands in some novel device, one must demand and receive credible evidence that the device actually exists and works. Unfortunately, that can be difficult or impossible to do in many cases, especially when dealing with individuals in other parts of the world.
Anyway...I'm sorry to hear of your disappointment. But, who knows, maybe something very good will come from it all...especially if the failed device you describe eventually gives you an idea for something that will work!
ken