New York Consolidated Laws, General Obligations Law - GOB § 7-109. Commencement of a proceeding or action by the attorney general to compel compliance

If it appears to the attorney general that any person, association, or corporation has violated or is violating any of the provisions of this title, an action or proceeding may be instituted by the attorney general in the name of the people of the state of New York to compel compliance with such provisions and enjoin any violation or threatened violation thereof.

In connection with the institution of any such action or proceeding, the attorney general is authorized to take proof and make a determination of the relevant facts and to issue subpoenas in accordance with the civil practice law and rules.

If in such action or proceeding, the court finds that a respondent has committed such violation the court in its discretion may award to the attorney general a sum not exceeding two thousand dollars with respect to each such respondent as costs of investigation.