Google has removed an app accused of spying on the Indian Army from its official PlayStore. According to CNN-IBN, the app – called Smesh — was allegedly being used by Pakistan Intelligence agencies to monitor the movement of troops and to acquire crucial information related to the army and its counter terrorism operations.

The app which was seen till late Monday night was immediately removed after investigation revealed it to be a spyware app. The Indian Army has blacklisted the app.

The investigation revealed the involvement of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) behind this cyber threat. According to reports, ISI was using the app to spy on the army through the smartphone of military personnel.

SmeshApp was found stealing information including one’s movements, phone calls, messages and even photographs. The information collected was saved on a server located in Germany and hosted by an unknown person based out of Karachi.

The investigation showed that this app was also used during the Pathankot Terror Attack in January 2016 by Pakistani handlers to procure vital information. These handlers reportedly lured soldiers through fake Facebook profiles. It was also revealed that several Indian military officials were unknowingly in touch with Pakistani handlers through these fake profiles on Facebook.

According to the reports, the app was aimed at all the three services of the armed forces — Army, Navy and Air Force. Army had issued new guidelines post-Pathankot attack for using messaging app WhatsApp. As per the new norms any Army man can access WhatsApp account in their individual name without revealing their original identity.  Mention of rank and posting is strictly prohibited. Also, only personal messages should be shared in the messages even with family