Who We Are
Skull Games operates on a global scale to identify predators, working tirelessly to protect the vulnerable and break the cycle of abuse for future generations. The Skull Games Task Force utilizes Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) to identify sexual predators and their victims, creating actionable leads that law enforcement can use to interdict the cycle of abuse. Our mission empowers survivors, providing them with the opportunity for a life of hope, healing, and freedom.
Throughout the year, the Task Force offers direct support to law enforcement through small, specialized teams. During periodic events, the Task Force surges, bringing together the collective expertise of vetted volunteers from across the United States. This comprehensive counter-sexual exploitation offensive leverages the experience, capabilities, and resources of our team, working in collaboration with our trusted partners to fight back against human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Task Force Operations 2024
- Predators & Victims Identified: 469
- Predators Arrested: 56
- Victims Recovered: 16
- Hunters Trained: 90+
Recent Operation Summary: During a recent operation, Skull Games assisted in identifying three victims of commercial sex trafficking. These cases, now under investigation by law enforcement, represent just a fraction of the ongoing work being done to combat human trafficking.
News & Events
Skull Games Expedition Hunt XIII: A Triumph in Huntsville, Alabama
The recent Skull Games Expedition Hunt XIII in Huntsville, Alabama was a resounding success. With 65 dedicated hunters, the team identified 35 women and girls being trafficked and 17 of their traffickers across five states. These cases are now in the hands of law enforcement for further action in the coming weeks. On October 27, 2024, seven victims were successfully recovered, some of whom were identified during this event.
Rae Baker, a first-time volunteer, shared her experience: “I’ve volunteered with countless organizations over the years, but it was truly extraordinary how welcoming and supportive everyone was at Skull Games. Even though it was my first event, I felt like part of the team from the start.” Rae’s team not only won the event for their findings but also contributed vital information—names, locations, relationships, and social media accounts—that law enforcement can use to help rescue victims and apprehend perpetrators.
During the event, 12 Skull Games Task Force members earned their Open Source Certification (OSC) from the OSMOSIS Association. Special congratulations to Heidi Schreck for scoring the highest among all participants.
Rae also highlighted the value of networking and learning from fellow OSINT professionals. “The best part was seeing how people from diverse backgrounds use OSINT in their day-to-day jobs. I learned so much from the collaborative environment.”
The success of this event demonstrates the incredible impact of like-minded individuals coming together to use their skills for good in the fight against human trafficking.
OSMOSISCon 2024
Skull Games Task Force members recently attended OSMOSISCon, the largest OSINT conference, celebrating its 10th anniversary with over 700 participants. The conference offered unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration, with hands-on workshops and sessions on the latest tools and techniques in OSINT.
Highlights of the event included networking with leading OSINT professionals, exploring emerging trends in the field, and interactive demonstrations of powerful tools like Google Lens and Bellingcat. The sense of community at OSMOSISCon was particularly inspiring, providing a space for OSINT professionals from all backgrounds to share knowledge and support each other’s work. AND even more TF members tested and received the coveted OSC!
Members of the Task Force are already looking forward to OSMOSISCon 2026 in Florida, where they hope to further strengthen ties within the OSINT community.
OSINT Tradecraft
Breaking Through Paywalls: A Vital Skill for OSINT Practitioners
Paywalls can be a major roadblock for OSINT researchers, preventing access to critical data needed for investigations. OSINT practitioners often encounter paywalls when attempting to access valuable news articles, reports, or other resources essential for their work. Here’s how to break through them:
Options for Bypassing Paywalls:
- Archive Services: Tools like archive.is allow you to capture web pages at specific points in time, bypassing paywalls and preserving content for later access.
- Cached Pages: Search engines like Google and Bing often store cached versions of web pages, which may be available even if the original content is behind a paywall.
- Dedicated Paywall Removal Sites: Websites such as removepaywall.com can help you find cached or archived versions of paywalled content.
- Browser Extensions and Scripts: For those familiar with coding, browser extensions or JavaScript bookmarklets can automate the process of checking for cached versions, saving time.
One of our Task Force members, Tony, shares his method for bypassing paywalls using archive.is. He recommends setting up a bookmarklet in Firefox, which allows you to easily check if a page has been archived and access its content.
To set it up this way, follow these steps:
- Add a Bookmark and name it. i.e. Archive Checker.
- Under URL, add this script: javascript:(function(){window.open(‘https://archive.is/’+encodeURIComponent(window.location.href),’_blank’);})();
- Under Keyword, add an exclamation point (!) followed by something easy to remember. I like !arch.
- If you want to save a step, type CTRL+L and you’ll automatically navigate to the address bar. When you type !arch that into an address bar, it will automatically execute the script on your article page and search for the most recent snapshots.
Member Highlight: Will Mechler
Seeing the impact of Skull Games’ work firsthand, Will joined the Task Force as a law enforcement advisor. His background in prosecuting human trafficking cases gave him invaluable insight into refining strategies for successful outcomes. Will’s work in the fusion cell has been pivotal in streamlining the investigative process before cases are sent to law enforcement.
Although he missed the most recent expedition due to Hurricane impacts in Tampa, Will remains deeply committed to the mission. At a previous event, he used his tattoo gun to immortalize the experience with “Skully” tattoos for the team, symbolizing the unity and resilience of those working together to combat human trafficking.
Upcoming Events
- TF Expedition XIV, Summit Point, WV: January 2025
- TF Expedition XV, NTS Ybor City, Tampa, FL: May 2025
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