New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, last year launched a lawsuit against Donald Trump, the Trump Organization, senior management and involved entities, alleging that they engaged in “years of financial fraud to obtain a host of economic benefits”.

Last month, she applied for a preliminary injunction on the basis that the alleged illegal activity was continuing and that the company appeared to be taking steps to restructure its business to evade the reaches of the lawsuit.

Judge Arthur Engoron of New York County State Supreme Court yesterday granted the injunction, finding that the claims in the suit are likely to succeed at trial.

The court found that the appointment of an independent monitor “is the most prudent and narrowly tailored mechanism to ensure there is no further fraud or illegality”.

In a statement, Ms James said: “Time and time again, the courts have ruled that Donald Trump cannot evade the law for personal gain.

“Today’s decision will ensure that Donald Trump and his companies cannot continue the extensive fraud that we uncovered and will require the appointment of an independent monitor to oversee compliance at the Trump Organization. No number of lawsuits, delay tactics, or threats will stop our pursuit of justice.”

Mr Trump has separately launched legal proceedings in Florida against Ms James, accusing her — an elected Democrat — of a political “witch hunt” against him.