The FBI affidavit implies that the investigation of Nicholson's espionage for Russia was triggered following his failure of three polygraph examinations administered by CIA polygraphers as part of his routine security update in October and December 1995, when questions "Have you had unauthorized contact with a Foreign Intelligence Service? ", "Since 1990, have you had contact with a Foreign Intelligence Service that you are trying to hide from the CIA?"
The FBI affidavit suggests that Nicholson's espionage investigation was initiated after his failure of three polygraph tests administered by CIA examiners as part of his routine security review in October and December 1995, when questions included "Have you had unauthorized contact with a Foreign Intelligence Service?" and "Since 1990, have you had contact with a Foreign Intelligence Service that you are trying to hide from the CIA?".