TL;DR: Durham Regional Police say Salvatore Malandrino, 41, of Marmora, allegedly took more than $1 million from five women between 2020 and 2025 while dating several of them at once. He met them at his dog-training business and local gyms, not online. After a September 3 press conference more victims came forward, and new charges were laid on October 19, 2026.
What happened
Durham Regional Police arrested Salvatore Malandrino, 41, of Marmora, Ontario, on August 31, 2026 after an investigation called Project Maroon, CTV News reports. Police allege that five women lost more than $1 million between 2020 and 2025. The charges have not been proven in court.
He was first charged with five counts of fraud over $5,000, laundering proceeds of crime, possession of proceeds of crime, two counts of failing to comply with a release order and uttering a forged document. After a September 3 press conference, more women contacted police, and on October 19 he was charged with another count of fraud over $5,000 and two counts of making a false statement to obtain a loan, according to Quinte News.
How the alleged fraud worked
- He met women in person, at his Pickering dog-training business Friendly K9 and at local gyms.
- He presented himself as a successful entrepreneur and proposed long-term relationships or marriage.
- He asked for money as investments, loans, business opportunities and emergency help.
- Police say he kept several relationships going at once and used one woman’s money to repay another.
Why this case matters
Most romance fraud warnings focus on strangers online. This case shows the same playbook works face to face, which makes victims even less likely to suspect anything. Canadians reported $23 million in romance and relationship scam losses to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre in the first half of 2026, Global News reports. Our CAFC half-year breakdown covers all fraud types. For another recent Ontario case, see the Toronto romance crypto scam where $225,000 was recovered.
Warning signs
- A new partner who needs “temporary” loans despite claiming to be successful.
- Investment or business offers that only make sense if you trust them personally.
- Loan paperwork you are asked to sign or co-sign quickly.
- Stories you cannot verify through anyone else in their life.
If you think you are a victim
Durham police ask anyone with information to call D/Cst. Miglia of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2950, or Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and your bank as well. Our CAFC reporting guide and romance scam recovery steps walk you through it, and our free email exposure check shows what of yours is already leaked.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money is involved?
Police allege that five women lost more than $1 million between 2020 and 2025. More victims came forward after September 3.
How did he meet the women?
In person, at his Pickering dog-training business, Friendly K9, and at local gyms, according to police.
What new charges were laid?
On October 19, 2026, one more count of fraud over $5,000 and two counts of making a false statement to obtain a loan.
Who do I contact if I was affected?
Durham police Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2950, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Sources
- CTV News: 41-year-old Ontario man who allegedly duped 5 women in ‘complex’ $1M romance scam arrested (Sep 3, 2026)
- Quinte News: Additional charges laid in romance fraud investigation (Oct 19, 2026)
- Global News: Winnipeg woman speaking out after alleged romance scam, with CAFC first-half 2026 figures (Sep 25, 2026)
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre