An Ontario man accused of defrauding women in romantic relationships of over C$1 million (£532,755 or $711,789) now faces additional criminal charges. The case expanded after more alleged victims came forward following a police appeal in September, prompting investigators to file three more charges against 41-year-old Salvatore Malandrino of Marmora.
On 19 October, Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) announced that Malandrino faces one more count of fraud over C$5,000 (£2,644 or $3,520) and two counts of making a false statement to procure a loan. These charges follow a 3 September press conference that led more individuals to contact investigators.
Five Women Initially Identified
The investigation, known as Project Maroon, began in November 2025 after a victim reported suspected financial exploitation to the DRPS Financial Crimes Unit. Investigators allege the scheme operated from 2020 to November 2025 and initially involved five women who together lost over £532,755 ($711,094).
Police allege Malandrino gained trust through romantic relationships and then made false claims about his finances, business opportunities, health, and future plans. Earlier reports indicate the alleged requests for money involved investments, loans, business ventures, and personal financial emergencies.
Investigators reported that the women met Malandrino in person, including through his dog-training business and a local gym, rather than through dating applications. The case shows how alleged romance fraud can occur through everyday encounters and relationships, as well as online platforms.
Original Charges Remain
Police arrested Malandrino in Ajax on 31 August. The original charges include multiple counts of fraud over £2,644 ($3,524), laundering proceeds of crime, possessing property obtained by crime, failing to comply with a release order, and uttering a forged document.
The latest charges include further allegations of fraud and making false statements to obtain loans. Malandrino remains in custody. Police have yet to disclose details behind the additional charges, the number of new alleged victims or whether reported losses have increased.
They continue to investigate the allegations against Malandrino. Notably, the additional charges reflect the ongoing investigation rather than a determination of guilt. DRPS investigators believe there may be more victims.
Anyone who suspects they were financially defrauded or deceived in a romantic relationship with Malandrino is urged to contact Detective Constable Miglia of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520, extension 2950. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip through www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
The Unexpected Meaning Behind His Name
The surname Malandrino has an interesting linguistic history: the Italian word malandrino traditionally refers to a brigand, street robber, or dishonest rogue. It can also describe someone considered unscrupulous or malicious, according to Italian dictionary and encyclopaedia publisher Treccani.
The word's precise origins remain uncertain, although one proposed explanation links it to elements associated with badness or wrongdoing. The name's linguistic meaning is unrelated to any legal finding in the Ontario case.
However, this meaning caught the attention of Reddit users discussing the Ontario case. One user explained the term's historical meaning and its more playful modern usage, writing: 'The term malandrino originally indicated a brigand or a street robber, but today it is used mainly in a joking sense to define a crafty, mischievous person or a lively rascal.' Another Reddit user responded to the explanation with a brief remark: 'His name checks out.'
