As was the case

Its income came from a generous subsidy provided by the tsar and payments for publication of government notices. Its influence was derived from the widespread and justified belief that the prince enjoyed imperial favor and could therefore affect bureaucratic careers by what he wrote, as was the case with Witte. Meshcherskii assiduously cultivated ministers, inviting them to his weekly dinners, and did not fail to seek quid pro quo.

Does as was the case mean that Witte's career was influenced or that Witte believed that publication COULD influnece?