Returning Stolen Goods by a Minor Who Has Grown Up
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Question
A small child stole snacks worth 20 shekels from a branch of Barkhel in one of the cities in Israel (not in Bnei Brak) and ate them. After growing up, he repented and wants to return the amount of the theft to fulfill his duty before Heaven, although he is exempt by human law. Meanwhile, the Barkhel chain has changed ownership, and the question is what to do — to whom should he return the value of the theft: to the current Barkhel owner or give it to charity instead?
Answer
Hello
According to heavenly laws, one should pay the person who owned the store at the time of the theft.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 343, סעיף 1
And a minor who struck his father or committed other transgressions in his youth, although he does not need to repent when he grows up, nevertheless, it is good for him to take upon himself something for repentance and atonement, even though he transgressed before becoming of age
Mishnah Berurah, Siman 343, סעיף קטן 9
But there is no need to pay if the stolen item is not present. And all this is by law, but beyond the letter of the law, whether he harmed him physically or damaged his property, he must pay