diff --git a/criu/pstree.c b/criu/pstree.c
index 62b883d16..9ae607792 100644
--- a/criu/pstree.c
+++ b/criu/pstree.c
@@ -576,6 +576,15 @@ static int read_pstree_image(pid_t *pid_max)
 			ids = parent->ids;
 		}
 
+		if (!ids || !ids->has_pid_ns_id) {
+			/*
+			 * At least root_item must have ids, and pid_ns_id field
+			 * was populated since ids are introduced.
+			 */
+			pr_err("No pid_ns id\n");
+			break;
+		}
+
 		pi = lookup_create_item(e->pid);
 		if (pi == NULL)
 			break;