This is a very difficult question to answer, but it could be both. Many investigations start as civil inquiries and end up identifying criminal actions. The same is also true for criminal investigations. Many criminal investigations end up resolving with civil resolutions.
Ultimately what distinguishes a civil action versus a criminal problem are intent and actions. In other words, did the problem occur because of an underlying criminal act. Many factors go into determining how a case is investigated. Certainly, it is always better to be working in the civil realm versus the criminal arena based on the potential punishment. In the civil context, you can be required to stop performing a certain action or pay penalties, interests and other monetary damages. In the criminal context, you can face civil penalties in addition to incarceration and a criminal record.