Police reveal immediate reason for detaining Richard Lee: skipping investigations while livestreaming on TikTok

POLDA Metro Jaya has formally detained dermatologist Richard Lee (DRL) in connection with alleged violations of consumer protection and cosmetics product and treatment regulations. The detention followed the dermatologist’s alleged obstruction of the investigation.

Public Relations Head of Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto, explained that there were two fundamental reasons behind the forced pickup and detention carried out on Friday night. ‘First, the suspect failed to attend an additional examination on 3 March 2026 without providing a clear explanation. On that day, the suspect was livestreaming on the TikTok account,’ Budi said, as quoted by Antara on Saturday (7/3).

In addition, Richard Lee was deemed not cooperative for missing mandatory reporting obligations twice, on Monday (23/2) and Thursday (5/3), without justifiable reasons. ‘Based on these, the suspect DRL was detained at 21:50 WIB at the Metro Jaya detention centre,’ Budi asserted.

Before being placed in detention, Richard Lee underwent intensive questioning from 13:00 to 17:00 WIB. During that period, investigators posed 29 questions to the suspect.

The police also confirmed that detention procedures were in line with standards, including health checks by Biddokes Polda Metro Jaya. ‘This included checking blood pressure, oxygen saturation and body temperature with normal results, and the ability to carry out activities as usual. Before detention, the suspect’s personal belongings not related to the investigation were handed over to his legal counsel,’ Budi added.

Richard Lee had previously been named a suspect on 15 December 2025. The case originated from police report LPB No. 7317/XII/2024/SPKT/Polda Metro Jaya concerning alleged consumer protection violations in his beauty business.

In this case, Richard Lee faces multiple charges. First, Article 435 in conjunction with Article 138(2) of Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health, carrying a maximum penalty of 12 years’ imprisonment and a fine of 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 penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a fine up to Rp2 billion.

Budi explained that the detention was triggered by Richard Lee’s attitude which was deemed to have obstructed the progress of the investigation.

The detention period is 20 days, from 10 February to 1 March 2026.

Investigators from the Special Criminal Directorate at Polda Metro Jaya have scheduled further questioning.