The Expiation of One Who Steals and Does Not Know the Owners of the Stolen Goods

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, a questioner says: I have committed many thefts, some of which I do not know who the owners of the stolen items are. I want to expiate for this sin of mine, so what is obligatory for me?

Answer:
It is obligatory for you to return the stolen property to its owners if you know them. You should return it to them, even by a means through which they do not know it is you, as long as the money reaches them. If you know them and they know you, you should seek their forgiveness, give them their right, and appease them by giving them their right. If you do not know them, then give it in charity. Give the money you have in charity to the poor and the needy, with the intention that it is on behalf of the owner of the theft, and its reward will reach him. If you do not know them, then this money is to be spent on the poor; give the money of the poor and the needy in charity with the intention that it is on behalf of their owners, and Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He) will convey the reward to them, and you will be free from the responsibility.