What is the religious ruling on destroying another person's property without their knowledge, and deceiving a third party into believing they are responsible? Should I inform the owner of the property or not? What should I do if they have already repaired it or if they have not?

Islam safeguards the Muslim's life, property, and honor. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, emphasized this during the Farewell Pilgrimage, saying: "Indeed, your blood, your properties, and your honors are sacred to you, like the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this city of yours."

It is not permissible to take a Muslim's property except with his willing consent, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The property of a Muslim person is not lawful [to take] except with his willing consent."

Whoever damages something is obliged to repair it or compensate for it, even if he was asleep. Therefore, you must seek forgiveness from your colleague by asking for his pardon or by returning the value of his device that you took without his permission, by paying what decreased from its value or compensating him fully if it was completely damaged. It is not necessary to inform him of the details of how it was taken when returning it; the important thing is to seek absolution before the Day of Resurrection, where rights will be taken from your good deeds.

You must also clear the brother whom you falsely accused and repent to Allah for what you did against him, and seek his forgiveness. For whoever earns a sin or an evil deed and then casts it upon an innocent person has indeed borne a slander and a manifest sin.