About us | Project Khthon

What is Project Khthon?

A student initiative

Formed in 2022, Khthon is an OSINT and SATINT-based humanitarian NGO that locates, analyses, and reports mass graves and other war crimes in hidden conflicts around the world.The name "Khthon" is derived from the Ancient Greek word "χθών", which, depending on the context, can mean "of the soil" or "of the underworld", which we think is quite a smart piece of wordplay considering our speciality in finding mass graves and the people in them.

Our Objectives

To bring to light these egregious acts before a global audience through both traditional and social media, while simultaneously setting a standard aimed at deterring future instances of such atrocities.

To amplify the voices of the victims, conveying their stories from beyond the grave, ensuring they are never forgotten.

To gather narrative and geospatial data via Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and other reputable sources, and employ this information in conjunction with satellite imagery to pinpoint the locations and details of mass graves and other war crimes

Not solely to locate mass graves and other war crimes, but to do so within the shortest possible time frame. This expedited approach is crucial for facilitating the individual identification of victims, potentially enabling their repatriation to their families and nations, thus fostering closure.

To present this evidence so that it assists in establishing accountability for those individuals or entities responsible, with the aim of making it admissible in future judicial proceedings.

To assist in providing information needed for the broad identification of victims.

To aid in the creation of an indelible and incontrovertible historical record.

Project Khthon in the media

Open Link

We are Looking for Truth and Justice

The Saint

Open Link

Searching for the lost. Project Khthon

The Password Unito

Open Link

Exchange student documents mass graves in conflict zones

The Queen's University Journal

Open Link

Big tech corps. have an obligation to help in humanitarian recovery

The Queen's University Journal

Meet the Team

SAM MCKNIGHT

Director

IONE FULTON

Legal Volunteer

Kennan McAndrews

Project Manager | Myanmar ( Burma )

My name is Kennan McAndrews and I am the project manager of Khthon’s Myanmar team. I am working with my team to compile a comprehensive list of verified mass graves in Myanmar. I am an international relations student at St Andrews and originally from Phoenix, Arizona. When I am not working, I enjoy playing volleyball and reading history books.

Bertie Woolley

Project Manager | Sahel

Hi, I’m Bertie, I’m currently the project manager for the Sahel Team. My day job is a light cavalry soldier in the British Army, where I developed a strong passion for armoured vehicle recognition. I joined Project Khthon in April 2024, drawn by the opportunity to help in both through my military knowledge and my desire to refine my analytical skills. I am increasingly motivated by the projects good work and amazing teamwork.

Rebecca Franzin

Project Manager | Sudan

I'm Rebecca, I study long-term conflicts and genocide. I work with Project Khthon because I think it's important to gather evidence of war crimes, to make sure justice can be pursued one day, as well as to to facilitate the reconstruction process in the aftermath of violence.

Riya Stevens

Project Manager | GIS

As the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Project Manager for Project Khthon, I oversee the development of both interactive and standard base maps to accurately document and display the locations of war crimes and mass graves worldwide. By utilizing a range of advanced GIS software, I ensure that our visualizations enhance public understanding and awareness of these critical issues.My passion for GIS began during my Geography studies at the University of Liverpool, further enriched by a year abroad at Queen’s University. Committed to using my skills for the greater good, I am proud to contribute to Project Khthon’s mission of shedding light on human rights violations and ensuring transparency and accountability on a global scale.

Declan Bracken

Project Manager | AI/ML

Hi, I’m Declan, a Canadian engineer with a masters degree specializing in analytics and data science. I began working at Project Khthon as a way to apply my unique skillset to a cause which I found both technically challenging and culturally important. Khthon as an open-source intelligence operation allows me to contribute to a cause greater than myself and collaborate with talented individuals from different corners of the planet.

William Detels

Project Manager | Congo

As a recent graduate of St Andrews Strategic Studies Masters, I am committed to documenting and strategically analyzing the misdeeds of bad actors to assist in accountability and prevention efforts.

Alexandra Boza

Social Media Manager

Hi, I’m Lexi Boza, an English and Spanish major at Trinity University. I study literature,
but I have always had an interest in history and the way authors interact with their social and political environments. I am the Social Media Manager at Project Khthon, helping direct the project’s social media presence. I started working with Project Khthon in October 2024 in an effort to support the people making a difference in the world in whatever small way I can. It’s amazing to work with so many talented people as they make their mark on history.

Joël Gugler

Field operator/Photographer

Joël Gugler has spent over a decade in conflict zones and regions affected by war crimes - solo. As a field operator with Khthon, he brings practical, on-the-ground experience to the team to help identify potential sites. Recently, he co-led fieldwork in Ukraine with Khthon’s director, Sam McKnight, where he helped provide context and visual documentation of mass grave sites. His role supports the organization’s efforts in uncovering the harsh realities behind the data.