The Ulster Defence Association claimed today it would move away from violence.
The terrorist organisation also rejected any link to a weekend murder bid on a Catholic taxi driver.
It's statement said: "Within recent days the name of the so-called Red Hand Defenders has emerged once again. "We wish to state categorically that there is no Red Hand Defenders and they do not exist.
"The individuals using this cover name are criminals who are motivated by self gain. Those who use that name were stood down and that is a matter of public record."
The UDA has come under intense scrutiny following a police raid on a North Belfast pub where its members were believed to be in dress rehearsals for a paramilitary show of strength.
Seventeen men were arrested by the specialist unit that stormed the Alexandra Bar in the Tiger's Bay district, including top loyalist Ihab Shoukri. Eleven of them were later charged with helping to set up a meeting of the outlawed terrorist group, although Shoukri was released and fought off a police attempt to have him sent back to jail.
A judge ruled yesterday that he was not in breach of bale conditions imposed while he waits to go on trial for UDA membership by being in the pub when police swooped.
The paramilitary organisation's statement insisted: "The UDA carry out the wishes of its entire membership. "That membership is saying quite clearly that they are committed to a process of change and will not be deterred from that path. "We are confident that our current policy will see us through any attempt to derail this process.
"None shall separate us."