If the attorney general determines, upon complaint or otherwise, that a person has engaged in, or engages in, or is about to engage in an act or practice prohibited or declared unlawful by AS 45.50.562 - 45.50.596, or that a person has assisted or participated in a plan, scheme, agreement, or combination of the nature described in AS 45.50.562 - 45.50.596, or when the attorney general believes it to be in the public interest, the attorney general may commence an investigation. The attorney general may compel production of documentary material and take testimony, under oath, before the institution of an action under AS 45.50.562 - 45.50.596.