(a) There is established the West Virginia 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 insurance industry to perform the duties of their positions. The Inspector General 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 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) It is the duty of the unit to:
(1) Initiate inquiries and conduct investigations when the unit has cause to believe violations of any of the following provisions of this code relating to the business of insurance have been or are being committed: 33-1-1 et seq. and 23-1-1 et seq. of this code; 61-3-1 et seq. of this code; and 61-4-5 of this code. Notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, the unit may, with the agreement of the Director of the Public Employees Insurance Agency, conduct investigations related to possible fraud under 5-16-1 et seq. of this code;