A Sudanese brother worked for me

Q: I hired six Bangladeshi workers to build a courtyard in return for 6,000 riyals five years ago. I paid this money on installments during the period of work. The contractor finished his work. I owed him 1,000 riyals. But the police arrested this person and deported him to his country due to problems in his residency before I gave him his due money. I have waited for five years hoping for his return. Moreover, I know two of those who participated in building the courtyard. They asked me to give them this money and they will give it to him. But I do not believe them as I think that they are liars. What should I do in this regard? 1- Should I pay this money to those people whom I believe are liars? 2- Should I wait for another period that he may return? Moreover, I do not know his address. He did not send me any message or anything else. I do not know whether he is alive or dead. 3- Should I pay this money as charity? Moreover, I believe that this person is a Muslim.

(Part No. 15; Page No. 132) A: Firstly: You have to give the money to the person to whom it is due if you are able to do that. You can do this by contacting him after knowing his address. Secondly: If you can not give the money to the person to whom it is due, you have to pay it as charity on his behalf. Then if he returns and comes to you, you can tell him about what you have done. If he does not accept, you have to give him his money and the reward of the charity will be for you. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.