[mothered]

Maybe I get the question wrong, but I didn't want to just send a completely EB because nobody packs their CPU so "ruthlessly". I wanted to give the rep more confidence in me by asking if I could double secure the CPU "just to be on the safe side". In the end, however, the "thief" only "stole" the CPU itself (and not the extra packaging).

Okay, as It stands (as per below), the packaging Is definitely consistent with tampering, which explains and justifies why they haven't received the CPU.

I closed the envelope normal. Then I ripped the the envelope open and closed it with silver packet band.
They also included pictures (where you can clearly see that it got re-sealed with the silver packet band).

My approach would be to contact them and say that I did not sealed the package with the packet band, therefore claim it was stolen in transit.

If you have the pictures on hand, tell them what you've stated above, but don't mention It was stolen In transit. You're not supposed to have any Idea of what's happening at this stage.

See how they respond and If need be, you can claim loss of goods In transit as developments unfold.