The purpose of the Unit is to protect seniors and vulnerable adults from financial crimes under § 8–801 of the Criminal Law Article. The Unit may bring a civil action under § 13–204(a)(15) of this article or § 11–209(a) of the Corporations and Associations Article for damages against a person who violates § 8–801 of the Criminal Law Article. A conviction for an offense under § 8–801 of the Criminal Law Article is not a prerequisite for maintenance of an action under subsection (b) of this section.