This is possibly the most fascinating thread I've read here in a long time.
snook2 , please stay on this and keep us posted- and just a note to the other posters here, the OP posted this for a little advice- don't do anything stupid or unsolicited like contacting the eBay seller to wag your finger or give them a piece of your mind or whatever.
Let snook2 work this out without interference.
It would be nice to get an update on whether or not Snook ended up getting any insurance at all on this when it originally went missing and did he get anything near the amps value. As my two cents goes, I think contacting the local Police Department where the eBay seller is located is probably the most prudent place to start. Someone posted that and the contact information somewhere near the top of the thread.
Again, this is pretty interesting.