Durham romance fraud investigators have laid three additional charges against a 41-year-old Marmora man after more people contacted police following a September news conference.
Durham Regional Police said on October 19 that Salvatore Malandrino faces one additional count of fraud over $5,000 and two counts of making a false statement to procure a loan. Police say he remains in custody.
The allegations have not been proven in court. The new charges are a significant development in an investigation that was first announced in August; they are not a finding of guilt.
More people came forward after September appeal
According to the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit, Malandrino was arrested on August 31, 2026, following an investigation into allegations that women had been financially exploited while in romantic relationships with him. Police held a news conference about the case on September 3.
Investigators say further complainants subsequently provided information that led to the three new charges. The October 19 update does not specify a revised total number of complainants or an updated total alleged loss.
The original release said the investigation began in November 2025. It alleged that five women had lost more than $1 million and that the accused had targeted women between 2020 and 2025. Those figures describe the original allegations, not an independently established total for the expanded case.
Investigators continue to seek information
Police believe there may be other people with relevant information. They are asking anyone who believes they were financially deceived in a relationship with the accused to contact investigators.
In its Durham romance fraud update, the service acknowledged that embarrassment, self-blame and feelings of betrayal can discourage reporting. It stressed that responsibility for deception rests with the person who commits it, not the person whose trust was exploited.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Constable Miglia in the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520, extension 2950. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The police update provides no court date or resolution of the allegations. Durham Radio News also reported the additional charges on October 19.
