Tell HN: My Company Is Falsely Accused, Triggering My Depression and Anxiety

Greetings, HN community. I am reaching out today from a throwaway account, seeking advice, solidarity, or simply a listening ear. My company, which was a subcontractor in a national research grant, is falsely accused. This has taken a toll not only on the financial stability of the company but also my mental health. The project we were part of started off well, but over time, the lead party began inexplicably obstructing the project's progress and withholding payments to personnel. Despite these hurdles, we poured our heart and soul into this initiative, often working after hours and even funding the project from our personal resources. To our surprise and dismay, upon project completion, the grantor flagged some irregularities and demanded a return of the funds, accusing us among other parties involved. Despite presenting our side of the story and even having an official protocol accepted stating that everything was properly concluded, we were under the impression that everything was resolved and that we could finally move forward. Several months after we thought the matter was settled, we received a letter from the police, citing serious allegations against us. In my country, such accusations often result in a pre-trial arrest, which adds another layer of stress and anxiety to an already difficult situation. The uncertainty and gravity of the situation have led to sleepless nights and panic attacks. While I have been seeking professional help from lawyers and psychologists, I find that their advice offers little solace. The waiting and not knowing have been agonizing. I am reaching out to ask if anyone else has been through something similar? Any advice or shared experiences would be highly appreciated.