Durham Regional Police have laid three additional charges against a 41-year-old Marmora man after more alleged victims came forward in an investigation involving five women and reported losses exceeding $1 million.
Durham Regional Police have announced additional charges against Salvatore Malandrino, 41, of Marmora, following further developments in an ongoing romance fraud investigation. Malandrino was initially arrested on August 31, 2026, after investigators examined allegations that he financially exploited multiple women while maintaining romantic relationships with them. Police held a news conference on September 3rd to discuss the case and encourage other potential victims to come forward. Additional complainants subsequently contacted investigators and provided information that led to further criminal charges.
The Financial Crimes Unit began investigating the allegations in November 2025 after receiving reports of suspected financial exploitation. According to police, the alleged offences occurred between 2020 and 2025 and involved five women who collectively lost more than $1 million. Investigators say the accused established relationships with women seeking companionship and meaningful personal connections. The women reportedly encountered him through social and professional settings, including his dog training business, Friendly K9, and local fitness facilities.
Following information received after the September news conference, investigators charged Malandrino with one additional count of fraud over $5,000 and two counts of making a false statement to procure a loan. Police confirmed that he remains in custody. Authorities have not disclosed the specific circumstances surrounding the new allegations or whether the additional complainants have increased the total financial losses associated with the investigation.
Investigators believe more individuals may have experienced similar financial exploitation and are continuing to seek information. Police acknowledge that romance fraud can be particularly difficult to report because victims may experience embarrassment, shame, betrayal or self-blame after discovering that someone they trusted may have deceived them. Durham Regional Police emphasize that responsibility for fraudulent conduct rests with the individual who commits the deception, not the person who was targeted.
Anyone who believes they may have been financially exploited during a romantic relationship with the accused is encouraged to contact Detective Constable Miglia of the Durham Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520, extension 2950.
Anonymous information can also be provided through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, with eligible tips potentially qualifying for a cash reward. The investigation remains ongoing, and all allegations against Malandrino have yet to be proven in court.
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Originally published on Canadian Fraud News.
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