Is expiation (kaffara) obligatory for someone who found money during Hajj and disposed of it by giving it to one of the Hajj workers without knowing its owner?

We have previously clarified that the preponderant opinion among scholars is that there is no difference between a lost item found in theḤaram (sacred precinct) and one found elsewhere, nor between a lost item found by a pilgrim and one found by others. Therefore, it is permissible for the finder to take it, and they are obligated to announce it, just as they are obligated to announce other lost items.

After taking this wallet, if it is not of negligible value, you are obligated to announce it for a full year if you are able. If you are unable to announce it, you should hand it over to the official responsible for lost items in the Ḥaram to announce it.

As for your action of disposing of it by giving it to this worker without announcing it for the required period or handing it over to someone who would announce it, the default is that you are liable for its value to its owner due to the transgression. However, if its owner is despaired of, then the way to deal with it is to give its value in charity on their behalf. There is no expiation (kaffarah) upon you, but you are obligated to repent for what you have done.