Man charged after $1M romance fraud involving multiple women: Durham police
Man, 41, facing charges for allegedly defrauding women he had romantic relationships with, police say
A dog-training business and a local gym were among the places where Salvatore Malandrino allegedly met women later drawn into a romance fraud scheme worth more than $1 million, Durham police say.
Malandrino, 41, of Marmora, Ont. — a community about 45 kilometres north of Belleville — was arrested in Ajax, Ont., on Monday following an investigation by Durham Regional Police. He remains in custody pending a bail hearing.
Police allege that Malandrino targeted women seeking companionship and meaningful relationships between 2020 and 2025. The financial crimes unit began its investigation in November 2025.
Unlike many romance fraud cases, the relationships did not begin online, Det. Sgt. Brad Chapman of the Durham Regional Police Service’s major fraud and financial crimes unit said at a media conference Thursday. Investigators allege Malandrino met the women through everyday interactions at Friendly K9, his dog-training business, and at a gym.
Chapman said Malandrino allegedly built trust by forming emotional connections and proposing long-term romantic commitments. He then allegedly obtained large sums of money by referring to investments, loans, business opportunities and personal financial emergencies.
“Malandrino presented himself as a successful entrepreneur, business owner, romantic partner and trusted confidant,” Chapman said. “He portrayed himself as someone experiencing temporary setbacks while promising future success.”
“The women believed they were helping someone they cared about,” he said.
Malandrino is charged with five counts of fraud over $5,000, laundering proceeds of crime, possessing proceeds obtained by crime, uttering a forged document and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.
Chapman said the alleged victims experienced emotional harm, financial hardship, betrayal and stress. Police believe other people may have lost money or may have had a romantic, personal or business relationship with Malandrino but have not yet come forward.
“Victims of romance fraud often experience feelings of embarrassment, shame, confusion or self-blame,” Chapman said. “Fraudsters are skilled at manipulation. They build trust over time.”
“Responsibility for these crimes rests solely with the person who commits them.”
Police are urging anyone with information or a connection to Malandrino to contact investigators.
