diff --git a/api/kiwi_vpn_api/routers/user.py b/api/kiwi_vpn_api/routers/user.py
index 66dcd7e..935f066 100644
--- a/api/kiwi_vpn_api/routers/user.py
+++ b/api/kiwi_vpn_api/routers/user.py
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ async def remove_user(
     )
 
     # fail if deletion was unsuccessful
-    if not user.delete(db):
+    if user is None or not user.delete(db):
         raise HTTPException(status_code=status.HTTP_409_CONFLICT)