Skullduggeries [noun]

Definition of Skullduggeries:

tricky behavior

"Very likely he's up to some skullduggery, sir," Matt opined.

After a little conversation to assure themselves that there was no skullduggery afoot, the truckers consented.

He would be cagey enough to stay ignorant of any overt strife or any other skullduggery that could be laid at his door.

We utilize persuasion, skullduggery, and even force to subvert their institutions, to destroy their present culture.