Ontario man charged after allegedly bilking 5 women out of over $1M in romance scam
· Toronto Sun
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A Marmora, Ont., man is facing ten fraud-related and other charges after allegedly entering into multiple romantic relationships and defrauding five women out of more than $1 million.
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Durham Regional police say they began their investigation, dubbed Project Maroon, in Nov. 2025 and allege that between 2020 and 2025, women seeking companionship and meaningful relationships were targeted.
Cops say victims first met the accused in both social and professional settings, including through his dog training business, Friendly K9 in Ajax, Ont., and at local fitness facilities.
They further allege the accused gained the trust of victims by proposing long-term romantic relationships and falsely representing his business ventures before convincing them to provide large amounts of money under the guise of investments, loans, business opportunities, and personal financial emergencies.
“What makes this case particularly unique is that the relationships at the centre of this investigation did not begin online , said DRPS Det. Sgt. Brad Chapman at a Thursday morning press conference.
“The accused met victims through everyday interactions, including through a dog training business, Friendly K9, and at a local gym. These relationships were cultivated over time through repeated personal contacts, allowing trust and credibility to develop in a way that appeared authentic.”
Cops allege the accused maintained multiple romantic relationships simultaneously and, in some instances, used money from one victim to make payments to another in order to perpetuate the deception.
Investigators conducted extensive forensic analysis and reviewed thousands of banking and financial records and, as a result, formed reasonable grounds to allege multiple fraud-related offences had occurred.
Suspect was located in Ajax, already violating two release orders
On Monday, investigators with the Financial Crimes Unit located the suspect in Ajax and took him into custody without incident and at the time of his arrest, the accused was violating two court-imposed release orders.
Salvatore Maladrino, 41, is charged with five counts of fraud over $5,000, laundering proceeds of crime, possession of proceeds obtained by crime, two counts of failing to comply with a release order, and uttering a forged document.
Investigators have concerns there are further victims and have released a photo of the accused.
Durham police say many victims of romance fraud are reluctant to report what has happened to them, with feelings of embarrassment, shame, self-blame, and betrayal being common.
But cops say victims of fraud are not responsible for the actions of those who deceive them and the responsibility lies solely with the person who chose to exploit trust for personal gain.
If you believe that you have been defrauded or financially deceived while in a romantic relationship, we encourage you to contact police.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Const. Miglia of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2950.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.