If I had to guess KPSI on this piece, I would place it no more than 400. I don't know about the story being credible, but if you have more photos, that's a good start.
In Turkey and purchasing overseas in general, it's a different thing. The seller often builds up the perceived value of the rug, and if the buyer negotiates well, they
may walk away for close to a US price.
I don't dispute the buyer may have paid the price they did, but I'm not sure they would have an easy time unloading this rug even for a fraction of the price.
More info, KPSI count, fibers used, condition, and other may represent different. From what I see in the photographs, the price and story is high... I'd like to see more.