Scenario involving restitution

[divinefaith]

Suppose someone had received money in an unethical manner (let it be fraud or theft etc.). They have come to realise the wrongs of what they have done but at the same time they have hold of the money and will need to think of the right way he right person to make restitution to.
Would it be morally ok if they make the most of that money and spend it until they’ve worked out how to reach out to the affected party and pay back the restitution? Or would it be wrong to even get a privilege from what was taken altogether?!

Sorry if this sounds vague.

 

[Buck_Crosswhite]

They should return the money to the rightful owner.

 

[EvelynEVF]

put it in the bank and don’t touch it until it can be properly returned. I believe that giving oneself permission to spend it “temporarily” would be an occasion of sin because of the temptation to get used to having the money and being able to spend what one otherwise wouldn’t.

 

[Leegal]

Suppose someone had received money in an unethical manner (let it be fraud or theft etc.). They have come to realise the wrongs of what they have done but at the same time they have hold of the money and will need to think of the right way he right person to make restitution to.
Would it be morally ok if they make the most of that money and spend it until they’ve worked out how to reach out to the affected party and pay back the restitution? Or would it be wrong to even get a privilege from what was taken altogether?!

Sorry if this sounds vague.

They can’t “make the most of the money.” If they have it, then they have the means to return it.

I’m going to assume that it may be sizable and the return of the money may lead to legal consequences?