One way to know about a rumor like this is to be part of the group that tried to set up the sting.
We all can play this game now, what fun!
Want to damage your political opponent, even after they beat you?
Just set up ‘a meeting’ with one of their staff and bring along someone with an eastern-European accent. Offer dirt on their opponent (yourself) for mega-cash.
It doesn’t really matter if they sniff or bite on the offer for dirt.
The fact that they supposedly heard an offer is all it takes to shout collusion and conspiracy later. And that makes the candidate or official - guilty until proven otherwise and subjects them to a rabbit-holed witch hunt.
Let the games begin.