Police Detain Dr Richard Lee for Obstructing Investigation

Jakarta — The Metro Jaya Regional Police have detained Dr Richard Lee (DRL) for obstructing an investigation into alleged violations of consumer protection laws in relation to cosmetics and skincare products. Public Relations Head for the Metro Jaya Police, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, said in an official statement in Jakarta on Friday that there were two grounds for the detention. First, the suspect did not attend an additional examination on 3 March 2026 without providing a clear explanation; on that day, the suspect went live on his TikTok account. Second, the suspect also failed to report as required on Monday, 23 February 2026, and Thursday, 5 March 2026 without a clear reason. Based on these grounds, DRL was detained at 21:50 WIB at the Polda Metro Jaya detention centre, Budi said. He added that before detention, DRL had been questioned from 13:00 to 17:00 WIB, with 29 questions asked. Prior to detention, the suspect underwent a health check by the Metro Jaya Medical and Health Division (Biddokes), including checks on blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature, with normal results, and he was able to carry out activities as usual. Before the detention, the suspect’s personal belongings not related to the evidentiary process were entrusted to his legal counsel, he said. Richard Lee was named a suspect on 15 December 2025 in connection with alleged violations of consumer protection relating to cosmetics and beauty products. The police report registered under LPB No. 7317/XII/2024/SPKT/Polda Metro Jaya states that Richard Lee is suspected of violating several articles. First, Article 435 in conjunction with Article 138(2) of Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health with a maximum imprisonment of 12 years and a fine up to Rp5 billion. Then, Article 62(1) in conjunction with Article 8(1) and Article 9(1) of Law No. 8 of 1999 on Consumer Protection with a maximum imprisonment of five years and a fine up to Rp2 billion.