§ 78. Powers with respect to certain crimes and frauds. If the
superintendent has a reasonable suspicion that a person or entity is
engaging in or has engaged in fraud (as interpreted under this chapter,
the insurance law or the financial services law) or a misdemeanor or
felony under this chapter or one of the articles of the penal law
enumerated in this section in connection with activities regulated by
the superintendent pursuant to this chapter or involving a product
regulated pursuant to this chapter, the superintendent may undertake
such investigation as is deemed necessary, and in the enforcement of
this chapter, determine whether any such person or entity has violated
or is about to violate this chapter or any such enumerated articles. The
applicable articles of the penal law are article one hundred fifty-five,
one hundred seventy, one hundred seventy-five, one hundred seventy-six,
one hundred eighty, one hundred eighty-five, one hundred eighty-seven,
one hundred ninety, two hundred, two hundred ten or four hundred
seventy. Notwithstanding the above-referenced laws or articles, the
scope of authority set forth in this section shall not be deemed to
otherwise limit or impair the ability of the department to assist any
other entity in an investigation involving a violation of law.