Additional charges laid in million dollar romance fraud investigation

A Marmora man previously charged with bilking five victims out of more than $1 million in a romance fraud investigation by Durham Regional Police is facing additional charges after further victims came forward.

On August 31, investigators with the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit arrested 41-year-old Salvatore Malandrino following an investigation into allegations that multiple women had been financially exploited while engaged in romantic relationships with him.

He was originally charged with five counts of fraud over $5000, laundering proceeds of crime, possession of proceeds obtained by crime, fail to comply with release order x2, and uttering forged document.

In November 2025, police began an investigation.

The investigation revealed that between 2020 and 2025, the accused targeted women seeking companionship and meaningful relationships.

Victims first met the accused in both social and professional settings, including through the accused’s dog training business Friendly K9 and at local fitness facilities.

The accused gained the trust of victims by establishing emotional connections, proposing long-term romantic commitments, and making false representations about his financial circumstances and business ventures.

He then convinced victims to provide substantial sums of money under the guise of investments, loans, business opportunities, and personal financial emergencies.

Five victims suffered financial losses exceeding $1 million.

The accused maintained multiple romantic relationships simultaneously and, in some instances, used money obtained from one victim to make payments to another in order to perpetuate the deception.

Due to the complexity of the financial transactions involved, investigators conducted extensive forensic analysis and reviewed thousands of banking and financial records.

As a result of the investigation, investigators formed reasonable grounds to believe multiple fraud-related offences had occurred.

Following his initial arrest, police held a press conference held on September 3 after which additional victims came forward and provided information to police.

Malandrino has been charged with three additional offences: fraud over $5,000 and two counts of make false statement to procure a loan.

He remains in custody.

Investigators continue to have concerns that there may be additional victims and encourage anyone who believes they may have been defrauded or financially deceived by the accused to contact police.

Many victims of romance fraud are reluctant to report what has happened to them. Feelings of embarrassment, shame, self-blame, and betrayal are common. Victims of fraud are not responsible for the actions of those who deceive them. The responsibility lies solely with the person who chose to exploit trust for personal gain.

If you believe that you have been defrauded or financially deceived while in a romantic relationship, you are encouraged you to contact police.

For more information on romance scams and how you can better protect yourself, please visit: https://www.drps.ca/community-safety-and-support/crime-prevention/fraud-and-financial-crimes/

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Miglia of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2950.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.