In November 2025, the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit began investigating a report that a man had financially exploited several women while in romantic relationships with them.
The accused allegedly gained the victims’ trust and convinced them to provide money for investments, loans, business opportunities and personal financial emergencies. Five victims suffered losses exceeding $1 million.
On Monday, August 31, 2026, investigators located Salvatore MALANDRINO, 41, of Marmora in Ajax and took him into custody without incident. The accused was allegedly violating two court-imposed release orders and was held for a bail hearing.
MALANDRINO faces Fraud Over $5000 x5, Fail to Comply with Release Orderx2, and one charge each of Laundering Proceeds of Crime, Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime and Uttering Forged Document. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Source: Durham Regional Police Service — https://www.drps.ca/news/posts/male-arrested-after-romance-fraud-investigation
Behind the story
Sources & publication details
- Byline
- Daily Durham News
- Published
- Sep 6, 2026, 10:05 p.m.
- Updated
- Sep 6, 2026, 11:09 p.m.
- Source
- Durham Regional Police Service
- Source published
- Sep 3, 2026
