Mark, I agree with what your brother has said and think he could be a great resource for you to gain information to rectify your situation.

I've never spoken with you before on this matter but have been brought into it because of my friendship with you. I have had a few people approach me about the situation to ask and give information. I have dismissed them by simply saying that I have no idea what has happened in the past, only that you got ripped off by your supplier and don't seem like the type of person to do that to others.

Hopefully in the near future you can get everything handled and resolved, but I fear that you will have this to haunt you for years to come.