They also likely have additional information, like the IP addresses and timestamps in use when the reports were made. Keep in mind that Apple doesn't make money (directly) from taking the guy's app down, and even the guy's story doesn't really make sense.
It hinges on the idea that he bought the developer program for a relative, who then used a bunch of his devices years later to leave a bunch of fraudulent positive reviews for his apps and negative ones for competitors. Really?
It sounds to me like Apple had him dead to rights and gave him an out, despite having no need to do so. He knows he screwed up AND publicized this with his blog, so he can fix it with his blog or he can lie in the bed he made. He stuck with his made-up story to save face (at the expense of Apple) so they're sticking with the original decision.