I smell a rat as well.
However, in the event this is a genuine situation then go and acquaint yourself in detail with the Theft Act 1968. Blackmail is a crime and it has been successfully argued in past legal cases that there is no need for the demand to be received by the intended recipient, for the offence to be committed. If you want to have a chance of flying commercially soon, then stop spending time on here and use a lawyer to help get yourself out of this mess.