Thanks for the informative feedback ppruners - I have written twice to the ME Bank, a subsid of Emirates Bank, detailing the recipient account and the crime.
The reply has twice been that they will not even investigate, to preserve their client's confidentiality, unless they are approached by the relevent authorities. My local police and the Jersey police refuse to record the crime as they don't want to get involved.
Being a computer goat, I will try JET II's suggestion of using a bank who will perhaps not turn their back in times of crisis.
HSBC's claim to provide "Worldwide banking at your fingertips" is a an empty one!
Now in Mojave and often on the road, going home to do banking is unacceptable. There must be a safe way by internet.