I'm damn near certain that it is happening as I personally have manipulated shitcoins in the past. Frankly the only reason that I did so with shitcoins is because those were simply the ones I could afford to do so with. And If I was willing and able to do so with them (I am not rich btw) then I'm certain that it is only a matter of means for someone to do so with the larger coins even BTC. Likely it is by no means all of those with the means but enough to make the difference.

With that said I'm not one to think that the recent price action can be completely attributed to these actors but to some extent it must be subject to their influence simply because it can be.

But thats like, my opinion man.