The squatter guy changed the locks on the door BEFORE the owner came back. I don’t think “renters” typically change all the door locks on a house or apartment that they rent. His story is fishy.
This guy is breaking the law and possibly a liar to boot.
The owner can show HE owns the property, he never received any money from the squatters - the squatter’s paid money to someone who had no right to rent him the property. This is a no-brainer.
Yes, if what the squatter is saying is true, that was a terrible injustice done to him, but that does not give him property rights over the property rights of the owner (who had nothing to do with the injustice that occurred).
Just saw the article doesn’t say “who” changed the locks.