If this is true, it leaves only one question: why would anyone buy such a high-profile account?
I think too many focus on the buying thing, and that doesn't makes sense, he could have earned enough for signatures or private deals, far more than someone would offer to an account that would immediately fall under suspicion.
So let's say this is not Ratimov posting, that doesn't imply he has sold his account, he could have simply give it so a fried or a relative, and for me this would be the best course of action to someone who wants to cut ties with the forum, plus with this move he muddies the waters for everyone following him while still keeping the account over some sort of control.
Then Ratimov will have every right to open a counter-charge of libel.
Internet court of libel opens up on X at 4pm, don't forget to bring all the memes and tiktok clips as well as the sign petition from 4chan staff.