I doubt they're the ones originating the issue, but I wouldn't put it past them to compound the problem
Problem is that there are several entities that will benefit from choking the network with rubbish transactions.
Ver & Co; Making Bitcoin in its current form look bad as it can't cope with the large number of transactions. (hint...hint.... BU is the solution!!)
Pools; Forcing people to pay a higher fee.
Investors; By choking the network they hope to force people to move to the altcoin side, where they buy extremely overpriced coins.
And there may possibly be a few more scenarios, but the first two mentioned options are the most likely ones. Bitcoin in current days is infested with people only looking to nurse their own greed. These people will take every step necessary to accomplish their goal. If they have to make Bitcoin look bad for that, they will have no problems in doing so. As always, it's money that's the main driver.