What is Khthon?
OPEN SOURCE SATELLITE INTELLIGENCE
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.

Statement of Academic Integrity
At Project Khthon, we are steadfast in our commitment to neutrality and non-partisanship. Our mission is to locate, analyze, and report mass graves to the relevant organizations and the public, shedding light on war crimes and crimes against humanity that might otherwise remain concealed.
In alignment with core humanitarian and academic principles, we ensure that our actions are objective, impartial and independent, focusing solely on the humanitarian imperative to protect life and health and to ensure respect for human dignity.
We do not engage in political, racial, religious, or ideological conflicts, nor do we take sides in hostilities. This approach guarantees that our work remains unbiased and centered on the humanitarian needs of affected populations.
Meet the Team

Director
Sam McKnight
Hi, I'm Sam McKnight. Director of Khthon.

Social Media Manager & Khthon PR
Alexandra Boza
Lexi Boza is an English and Spanish major at Trinity University. She studies literature, but has always had an interest in history and the way authors interact with their social and political environments. Lexi is the Social Media Manager at Project Khthon, helping direct the project’s social media presence. She 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 she can. “It’s amazing to work with so many talented people as they make their mark on history.”

Head of HR and Development
Joris is the head of HR and Development at Khthon, which he combines with his double degree in History and European Studies at the University of Amsterdam. Previously, he finished a BA at the Reinwardt Academy with a focus on digital heritage, combining this with international athleticism as a member of the Dutch National Rowing team. After this bachelor he worked as a project manager at the Dutch National Holocaust Museum, where he lead a project around genocide documentation. Currently he leverages his experience with management, digital accessibility, genocide materials and OSINT to improve Khthon’s structural performance and accountability.

Project Manager | AI/ML
Shreyash Ade
Shreyash is a data and project analyst with a strong foundation in analytics and a passion for solving complex, interdisciplinary problems. He joined Project Khthon to apply his skillset at the intersection of data science, strategy, and global impact. For Shreyash, Khthon represents more than a technical challenge—it’s an opportunity to contribute to a mission that is both culturally vital and intellectually rigorous. As part of this open-source intelligence operation, he collaborates with experts around the world, using data to drive insights and support a cause far greater than himself.

Project Manager | Geographical Info. Systems
Riya Stevens
As the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Project Manager for Project Khthon, Riya 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, she ensure that our visualizations enhance public understanding and awareness of these critical issues. Her passion for GIS began during her Geography studies at the University of Liverpool, further enriched by a year abroad at Queen’s University. Committed to using her skills for the greater good, she is proud to contribute to Project Khthon’s mission of shedding light on human rights violations and ensuring transparency and accountability on a global scale.

Legal Volunteer
Ione Fulton
A legal eagle helping Khthon navigate the complex landscape of international law.

Deputy Director | Project Manager | Sudan
Rebecca Franzin
Rebecca studies 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 facilitate the reconstruction process in the aftermath of violence."

Project Manager | Sahel
Bertie Woolley
Bertie is currently the project manager for the Sahel Team. For his day job, he works as a light cavalry soldier in the British Army, where he developed a strong passion for armoured vehicle recognition. Bertie joined Project Khthon in April 2024, drawn by the opportunity to help both through his military knowledge and his desire to refine his analytical skills. Bertie is increasingly motivated by the project's good work and amazing teamwork.

Transnational Security Nexus
Daniel Zygiel-Clague
Daniel has close to a decade of experience in global security operations, terrorism response training and risk analysis. He obtained his bachelors degree in political science and Russian studies from the College of the Holy Cross, during which time he conducted research in Washington D.C and in Moscow on Russian influence campaigns in the U.S and the transition from military to mercenary functions of foreign services. He obtained his masters at the Institute of World Politics, where he wrote about psychology of terrorism and transnational crime, disinformation campaigns and more. His most recent research focuses on state sponsored right wing extremism and the examination of theocratic influences on multinational organizations and countries.

Project Manager | Myanmar ( Burma )
Kennan McAndrews
Kennan McAndrews is the project manager of Khthon’s Myanmar team. She works with her team to compile a comprehensive list of verified mass graves in Myanmar. She is an international relations student at St Andrews and originally from Phoenix, Arizona. When she isn't working, she enjoy playing volleyball and reading history books.

Field operator/Photographer
Joël Gugler
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.