Competency hearing in Honolulu opens in federal court for man accused of spying for China

Competency hearing opens for accused Maui spy

HONOLULU — Expert witnesses for the prosecution and the defense have testified a former B-2 stealth bomber engineer accused of spying for China suffers from narcissistic personality disorder.

The forensic psychologists also said during a federal court hearing Thursday in Honolulu that Noshir Gowadia of Maui makes grandiose statements about his contributions to the U.S. military.

But the prosecution witness testified Gowadia is competent to stand trial and to assist his lawyers, while the defense witness said he is not.

Gowadia was arrested in 2005 on suspicion of selling cruise missile secrets. He has pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of conspiracy, money-laundering and falsifying tax returns.