Jakarta police have detained prominent dermatologist Dr. Richard Lee following his failure to appear for questioning in a consumer protection case. The arrest comes after Lee prioritized a TikTok livestream over complying with a police summons, officials said.
According to a statement released Saturday by Polda Metro Jaya’s Head of Public Relations, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, “Based on information provided by DRL, he was conducting a live TikTok broadcast on his own account to promote products from CV Athena as part of his work.”
Dr. Lee was taken into police custody Friday, March 6, 2026, as authorities cited a disregard for the legal process. The case centers around allegations of misleading claims regarding the efficacy of his skincare products.
“Essentially, he did not reflect someone who is compliant and respects the law,” Hermanto stated.
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
Polda Metro Jaya initially detained Dr. Lee in connection with alleged violations of consumer protection laws related to his beauty products and services. Police have outlined two key reasons for the detention.
“Based on consideration of the actions of suspect DRL, which were deemed to obstruct the investigation, including the suspect’s failure to attend a supplemental examination on March 3, 2026, without providing a clear explanation. In fact, on that day, the suspect was found to be conducting a live broadcast on his TikTok account,” said Polda Metro Jaya’s Head of Public Relations, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, Friday, March 6, 2026.
Authorities also noted that Dr. Lee failed to comply with mandatory reporting requirements on February 23, 2026, and March 5, 2026, without justification. These repeated absences ultimately led to his arrest.
“The suspect also failed to report for duty on Monday, February 23, 2026, and Thursday, March 5, 2026, without a clear reason. Based on this, suspect DRL was detained at 9:50 PM at the Polda Metro Jaya detention center,” Hermanto added.
Hermanto stated that prior to the detention, Dr. Lee underwent a health check by the Polda Metro Jaya Medical and Health Unit, which revealed normal vital signs and no impediments to his activity.
“Before the detention, the suspect’s personal belongings not related to the investigation process were handed over to his legal counsel,” he concluded. The case highlights the increasing scrutiny of social media personalities and their marketing practices.
(mib/mea)
