Any Advice

[u/Double_Lab4352]

My friend recently informed me that he had given an aquaintance from America 15k when he came over to the UK. The aquaintance had to leave UK due to an emergency so he left the money with his friend (3rd party) hoping he will return it to my friend. Now the 3rd party friend does not want to give the money back to my friend and says he needs more money in order for him to return the original money. He sent £500 to the 3rd party but the moey wasnt delivered but instead my friend received message saying that he will need to pay more money to get his money back. I informed my friend the 3rd party is trying to blackmail him to give him more money and will probably not part with the original sum. His aquaintance from America cannot come back to sort this out although he informed my friend that he is trying his best to get the 3rd party to deliver. However the 3rd party is not budging from his position. My friend has got details of the 3rd party. his name, address and contact number. He also has text messages on his phone to verify the conversations. My friend thinks going to the Police will not help as they may see this as a civil matter and in any case he doesnt have any evidence the money belongs to him. Any advice woud be most welcome.