The RCMP says an officer who has headed security for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics since the unit's inception in 2003 was not fired.
Chief Supt. Bob Harriman's departure comes amidst continued budget uncertainties surrounding the security force.
Sources told CTV News that Harriman's departure was not entirely his own decision, but the RCMP released a statement Wednesday saying he "was not fired nor did he quit."
Insiders said the move might have been influenced by a recent internal RCMP audit of the security unit.
The audit could have revealed serious shortfalls of the Olympic security budget, reported CTV British Columbia's Mike Killeen on Tuesday.
A confidential RCMP report two years ago made that determination, Killeen said. The document read: "Numerous financial funding gaps and risks have been identified which will negatively impact security operations."
The report found the original $175 million budget did not account for communications equipment, metal detectors at venues, accreditation costs and security for the torch relay.
But the RCMP said Harriman's departure has nothing to do with the report.
"There is no connection, and the timing is purely coincidental," the RCMP said a statement.
Asked Tuesday about the security budget, the federal minister responsible for the Olympic Games said he will be briefed on the file in the coming weeks.
"The only estimate I have is $175 million -- I've been given no briefing or no indication that the numbers have changed substantially," David Emerson told reporters.
"(The cost figure) was established based on a normal security threat situation. As that threat escalates, the costs will escalate. If the threat is less, I presume the costs could be less."
Harriman, who has never given a media interview while at the helm of the security unit, will remain at the post until he finds a new job within the Mounties and a replacement is hired, an RCMP spokesman said.
Harriman is "moving on to other career opportunities," Const. Annie Linteau said Tuesday.
The pending vacancy of the Olympic security boss comes just after Jamie Graham ended his five-year tenure as chief of the Vancouver Police Department.
The former RCMP career officer has not discussed details about his future plans.
Military officials say ensuring safety at the Olympics will require the largest security operation in Canadian history.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Mike Killeen
