How can one absolve oneself of unlawfully acquired money, such as from stealing from stores, especially when the thief has left the country and is unlikely to return?

Theft is a grave sin that necessitates repentance and the restoration of rights to their owners, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whoever has wronged his brother concerning his honor or anything else, let him seek his forgiveness today before there will be no Dinar or Dirham." If the owner of the right is known and it is possible to return his right to him, then that is obligatory. However, if the owner is unknown or it is impossible to reach him, then one must give charity equivalent to the right on his behalf, with caution if the amount is unknown. Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah mentioned that if there is despair of knowing the owners of rights, such as usurped property or loans, then one should give it in charity on their behalf or spend it on the welfare of Muslims. If the thief repents and returns the rights to their owners if possible, or gives charity on their behalf if it is impossible, Allah will forgive him, in accordance with His saying: "And indeed, I am the Forgiver of whoever repents and believes and does righteousness and then is guided."