diff --git a/slixmpp_omemo/__init__.py b/slixmpp_omemo/__init__.py
index bb786b7..80de0a9 100644
--- a/slixmpp_omemo/__init__.py
+++ b/slixmpp_omemo/__init__.py
@@ -170,6 +170,10 @@ class UndecidedException(XEP0384):
         self.ik = ik
 
 
+class ErroneousPayload(XEP0384):
+    """To be raised when the payload is not of the form we expect"""
+
+
 class XEP_0384(BasePlugin):
 
     """
@@ -512,6 +516,8 @@ class XEP_0384(BasePlugin):
         allow_untrusted: bool = False,
     ) -> Optional[str]:
         header = encrypted['header']
+        if encrypted['payload']['value'] is None:
+            raise ErroneousPayload('The payload element was empty')
         payload = b64dec(encrypted['payload']['value'])
 
         jid = sender.bare
@@ -524,7 +530,11 @@ class XEP_0384(BasePlugin):
 
         key = Key(key)
         isPrekeyMessage = key['prekey'] in TRUE_VALUES
+        if key['value'] is None:
+            raise ErroneousPayload('The key element was empty')
         message = b64dec(key['value'])
+        if header['iv']['value'] is None:
+            raise ErroneousPayload('The iv element was empty')
         iv = b64dec(header['iv']['value'])
 
         # XXX: 'cipher' is part of KeyTransportMessages and is used when no payload