Whether Nicolai understood the vehicle was dangerous remained disputed.

Messages suggested the brothers had been fighting.

Investigators found evidence both men were planning to betray the other.

Nicolai had copied financial records.

Julian had moved money Nicolai believed he was owed.

One of them tampered with the vehicle.

Prosecutors eventually alleged Julian knew Nicolai was entering a dangerous situation and deliberately sent him away anyway.

But they did not rely on a cinematic confession.