Dangle the carrot in front of the donkey - classic con act.
I feel sorry for all the people who believe their bulls*** and keep waiting in anticipation. What they are doing is prolonging your resolve to take action against them.
It is very simple, you would have been paid by now if they had the money. The reason you are not paid is because there is no money left.
It is normal to feel scared to take any action that might weaken your chances of getting your money back. However, the longer you take, the lesser the chances of getting any resolution. The Director has already run away. Soon, the only thing left in that office will be those cheap white sofas.