OTTAWA - A defensive Giuliano Zaccardelli shot back at his accusers Monday, calling allegations he engaged in a cover-up of the RCMP pension fund fraud "offensive" and uncorroborated.

Facing a barrage of flashing cameras as he entered a Commons committee room wearing civilian clothing, the former RCMP commissioner insisted all steps taken by himself and senior management were "openly reported upon" and documented.

"I do not plan today, or in the future, to grant any quarter to remarks made at this committee, or elsewhere, inferring corruption at the RCMP, or associated with me," he said. "Such allegations are so completely baseless that I can only surmise that frustration and anger have badly clouded the thinking of the individuals who have made such unfounded and unsubstantiated statements."

Zaccardelli said he is "deeply concerned" by accusations that have questioned his integrity and outlined steps he took to hold wrongdoers to account.

"I want to note very quickly here: protecting the fund was, and remained, my top most priority and no repercussions to the pensions of RCMP employees and veterans exists as a result of this situation," he said.