BELFAST – The police department is conducting a criminal investigation into the operation of a recently closed health spa.

Detective Michael McFadden said the investigation centers on the issuance of gift certificates from Indulgence Day Spa on Searsport Avenue.

McFadden said it appeared that the gift certificates were sold during a period when management of the spa knew the business was about to close.

“This is a criminal investigation,” McFadden said Monday.

Because the investigation was ongoing, McFadden declined to identify the owner who sold the gift certificates. He described the spa as a successful business that was sold about a year ago by its founders. The new owner closed the spa in February.

McFadden said as many as 100 gift certificates totaling many thousands of dollars have yet to be redeemed. He advised those holding the gift certificates to contact him through the Waldo County Communications Center at 338-2040.