An Ontario man is facing multiple fraud charges after police say he developed romantic relationships with five women, promised long-term futures with them and persuaded them to provide more than $1 million for investments, loans, business opportunities and personal emergencies.
Salvatore Malandrino, 41, of Marmora, is accused of carrying out the scheme between 2020 and 2025. Unlike the online relationships commonly associated with romance fraud, investigators say the women met him through everyday social and professional interactions, including his dog-training business Friendly K9 and local fitness facilities.
Police say Malandrino presented himself as a successful entrepreneur, business owner, romantic partner and trusted confidant while making false representations about his finances, business opportunities, health, personal circumstances and future plans. Investigators allege that he maintained multiple romantic relationships at the same time and used the trust he developed to obtain substantial amounts of money.
CBC News reported that Malandrino faces five counts of fraud over $5,000 along with several additional charges. Durham Regional Police say investigators believe other people may also have had financial, personal or romantic relationships with him and have not yet come forward.
The Relationships Began Through Repeated Personal Contact
The Durham Regional Police Service said the women were seeking companionship and meaningful relationships when they encountered Malandrino in social and professional settings.
Det. Sgt. Brad Chapman told CityNews that the case stood out because the relationships did not begin online. Instead, police say they developed through repeated personal contact, allowing trust and credibility to grow in circumstances that appeared authentic.
Investigators allege Malandrino proposed long-term romantic commitments while portraying himself as someone who could offer future success and financial security. Police say the women believed they were helping someone they cared about rather than responding to requests from an anonymous online stranger.
The Money Was Sought as Loans, Investments and Emergency Help
After gaining the women’s trust, police say Malandrino requested substantial amounts of money for investments, loans, business opportunities and personal financial emergencies.
Investigators allege he maintained several romantic relationships simultaneously. In some instances, police say money obtained from one woman was used to make payments to another, helping preserve the appearance that earlier financial promises or arrangements were legitimate. The five identified women suffered combined losses exceeding $1 million.
Investigators Reviewed Thousands of Financial Records
The Durham Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit began investigating in November 2025 after receiving reports that multiple women had been financially exploited while involved in romantic relationships.
Because the allegations involved numerous financial transactions, investigators conducted what police described as extensive forensic analysis and reviewed thousands of banking and other financial records before determining that they had reasonable grounds to believe multiple fraud-related offences had occurred.
Investigators located Malandrino in Ajax on August 31, 2026, and arrested him without incident. Police allege that he was also violating two court-imposed release orders when he was taken into custody.
Malandrino Faces Five Fraud Counts and Other Charges
Malandrino is charged with five counts of fraud over $5,000, laundering proceeds of crime, possession of proceeds obtained by crime, two counts of failing to comply with a release order and uttering a forged document.
He was held for a bail hearing. Police released his photograph because investigators believe there may be additional victims, including people who had romantic, personal or business dealings with him and have not yet contacted authorities.
Do Not Treat an In-Person Relationship as Financial Verification
Romance fraud does not require a fake dating profile or a partner who refuses to meet in person. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre warns that financial exploitation can follow after someone gains another person’s trust and affection, with requests involving emergencies, business ventures or investments.
When a romantic partner asks for a substantial loan or investment, the financial claim should be evaluated separately from the relationship. A business should be independently checked, investment claims should be verified through outside records or regulators, and written loan agreements should be reviewed before money changes hands. Information supplied only by the person requesting the money should not serve as the sole proof that an opportunity or emergency is legitimate.
Durham police also advise fraud victims to preserve relevant documents and financial information, notify their financial institutions and report the incident to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Anyone who believes they had a similar financial, personal or romantic relationship with Malandrino is being asked to contact the Durham Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit.