(CNN) The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has issued a subpoena to Michael Cohen as part of its ongoing probe into whether the Trump Foundation violated New York tax laws, a department spokesman confirmed to CNN.

This probe is separate from the New York attorney general's lawsuit against the Trump Foundation. The Tax Department is not able to bring any criminal charges, and if it finds any wrongdoing, the department would have to refer it to the New York attorney general's office or another prosecutor's office.

"A subpoena has been issued to Michael Cohen for relevant information in light of the public disclosures made yesterday," said Tax Department spokesperson John Gazzale in a statement. "We will be working with the New York Attorney General and the Manhattan district attorney as appropriate. We can't comment further on this investigation."

"As our lawsuit against the Trump Foundation illustrates, we will hold Donald Trump and his associates accountable for violations of state law, and will seek a criminal referral from the appropriate state agency as necessary," said Amy Spitalnick, a spokeswoman for the attorney general's office. She added that the office "cannot comment on potential or ongoing investigations."

The Trump Organization did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment.

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