(a) There is hereby established the West Virginia Unemployment Compensation Insurance Fraud Unit within the offices of the commissioner. The commissioner may employ full-time supervisory, legal, and investigative personnel for the unit who shall be qualified by training and experience in the areas of detection, investigation, or prosecution of fraud within and against the unemployment compensation system. The director of the unit is a full-time position and shall be appointed by the commissioner and serve at his or her will and pleasure. The director shall be a certified fraud investigator with experience in computer technology. The commissioner shall provide office space, equipment, and supplies, and shall employ and train personnel, including legal counsel, investigators, auditors, and clerical staff necessary for the unit to carry out its duties and responsibilities under this article as the commissioner determines is necessary.
(b) The unit shall:
(1) Initiate inquiries and conduct investigations when the unit has reasonable cause to believe violations of any provisions of 21A-1-1 et seq. of this code, West Virginia Unemployment Compensation Insurance Law are occurring, or have occurred;