I spoke to multiple sources on APT in addition to reading Panja’s tweet. Whilst it is important to weigh the personal feelings of the tweeters, it is worth considering what he writes about a topic like this because he undoubtedly has some good sources. As I said, in any event, the quote considers the situation “if” he is correct.I am sure he just repeats what he is told like all these other "journalists". The problem is what he is told and by who.
Which is why I was trying to find out if there were any other sources of that rumour that we don't know about. I guess not.