A man, aged 41, residing in Marmora, Ontario, is facing legal charges for allegedly deceiving multiple women he was romantically involved with, as stated by Durham police. Salvatore Malandrino faces five fraud charges exceeding $5000, money laundering from criminal activities, possession of unlawfully obtained funds, two breaches of a release order, and the use of a forged document, according to a recent news release by the police.
The investigation into Malandrino by Durham police’s financial crimes unit commenced in November 2025. The inquiry revealed that between 2020 and 2025, the man purportedly preyed on women seeking companionship and genuine relationships.
Malandrino was apprehended in Ajax, Ontario, on Monday. Detective Sergeant Brad Chapman of the Durham Regional Police Service’s major fraud and financial crimes unit disclosed during a media briefing that the man garnered the trust of these women by establishing emotional connections and proposing enduring romantic commitments.
By portraying himself as a prosperous entrepreneur, business proprietor, romantic partner, and trusted confidant, Malandrino persuaded the women to offer substantial sums of money for purported investments, loans, business ventures, and personal financial crises. Notably, the relationships with these women did not commence online but through regular interactions at Malandrino’s dog training establishment, Friendly K9, and a nearby gym, Chapman mentioned.
Chapman highlighted that victims endured emotional distress, personal challenges, betrayal, and anxiety due to the deception. The police suspect that there might be more victims or individuals who encountered financial losses but are hesitant to come forward to their families or law enforcement.
Romance fraud victims often grapple with emotions like embarrassment, shame, confusion, or self-reproach, noted Chapman. Fraudsters adeptly manipulate victims by gradually building trust. Chapman emphasized that the culpability for these offenses lies solely with the perpetrator.
Authorities urge individuals who had any form of relationship, be it romantic, personal, or business-related, with Malandrino to reach out to the police for assistance.