More charges laid in Durham romance fraud investigation

Durham Regional Police say a 41-year-old man previously charged in a romance fraud investigation is facing three additional charges after more victims came forward following a police press conference.

Salvatore Malandrino of Marmora has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000 and two counts of making a false statement to procure a loan, according to the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit. He remains in custody.

Police say Malandrino was first arrested on August 31, 2026, after an investigation that began in November 2025 into allegations he financially exploited multiple women while engaged in romantic relationships with them. The original release said five victims were defrauded of more than $1 million, and that the accused allegedly targeted women seeking companionship between 2020 and 2025, meeting them in social and professional settings including his dog training business and local fitness facilities.

Investigators say additional victims came forward after a press conference held on September 3, 2026, and they continue to encourage anyone who believes they were defrauded or financially deceived in a romantic relationship to contact police. Durham police remind the public that these allegations have yet to be proven in court.