Wow, good that you got your money.

You had all the right to ask for your money. If the person is not responding to email, definaltey you will reach out to that person's circle.

It reminded me of a situation where my money got stuck by giving a loan to a friend. I reached out to another person enquiring about this friend and asked this person to pass the message to my friend (he was ghosting on my emails) that I am not able to reach out him.

This worked like a charm and the person returnd my money back.

These people have a high self image , which they can't break in front of others.

Seems this work in personal as well as professional life.