Male Arrested After Romance Fraud Investigation

A male is facing several charges after entering into multiple romantic relationships and defrauding five victims out of more than $1 million.

In November 2025, investigators with the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit began an investigation into a male reported to have financially exploited multiple women while engaged in romantic relationships with them.

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.

On Monday, August 31, 2026, investigators with the Financial Crimes Unit located the suspect in Ajax and took him into custody without incident. At the time of his arrest, the accused was violating two court-imposed release orders.

Investigators have concerns there are further victims. A photo of the accused is attached and can be viewed at www.drps.ca

Salvatore MALANDRINO, age 41 from Marmora is charged with: Fraud Over $5000 x5, Laundering Proceeds of Crime, Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime, Fail to Comply with Release Orderx2, and Uttering Forged Document.

He was held for a bail hearing.

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, we encourage 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.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court. 

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